A Date with My Daughter By Shawn Wright It's time to start dating my daughter, again… Actually, it all started a while ago. I wanted Madeline to see the importance of listening to God through Scripture — and I also hoped to discuss sensitive topics with her. So, after buying plenty of cocoa, two mugs, and a Bible study book on womanhood, I asked my daughter for a date. She accepted and our sharing began. I was amazed at the difference in the depth of our conversation as we sipped and studied together. Instead of the one or two sentences we might have passed across the dinner table, we listened carefully to each other and asked sensitive questions we might not have asked in the family group. We talked about “woman stuff,” and sometimes we just let go and giggled! Lecturing was tempting at times, but remembering to stop and listen as one of the most valuable gifts I could give Madeline. Going to God’s Word for guidance was important. As we turned to the Bible for answers to the study book’s questions, we learned more about each other as individuals and as mother and daughter. Knowing we had our “date” made us feel important to each other. Our shared time became a treasure we anticipated and savored. Some weeks we finished the lesson easily. Other times we decided we would talk, study, think, pray, and work on the topic during the week. Many times the questions would focus on something we knew that we needed to work on such as honesty, purity, integrity, and being kind to others. Most important, we discussed what it meant to be a Christ-centered woman and shared the responsibilities, joys, and blessings that go along with the privilege. I admit we have not continued our dating as faithfully as I would have liked. Mother/daughter Bible study dates are not easy to fit into our busy days, but I have noticed that our family feels and works better when we make time for the Holy Spirit to speak to us through His Word. And so…it’s time to start "dating” my daughter again. Shawn Wright is a mother of two (Madeline and Christian) who enjoys spending time with her family. Maddie starts eighth grade this fall at St. Joseph’s School and she loves to read. Shawn and her husband, Kim, live in DeWitt, Iowa. Their home church is Grace Lutheran, DeWitt, Iowa.