First things first, I am not expecting nor do I plan to be expecting for at least ten years. However, being a mother is something I have always dreamed about. Although I’m only a freshman in college, I long for the day that I get to hold my sweet babies in my arms and sing to them and rock them to sleep. I’ve always prayed that God would one day bless me with a little girl, and I’ve always had a feeling that He would provide. I know how important it is for a daughter and mother to have a good relationship, and I’ve vowed to myself to one day be the best mother that I can be. Throughout my life, I’ve made a list of things that I told myself that I would or wouldn’t do one day whenever it came to mine and my daughter’s (God-willing) relationship. So here are ten promises I vow to keep to my daughter one day way down the road:
1. I promise to always wipe away your tears.
I know what it’s like to sit in your room late at night crying because some girl hurt your feelings, or some guy broke your heart, or you’re just feeling down about yourself and I know what it’s like to want someone there to comfort you. I promise I will always be there to comfort you in these moments.
2. I promise to always listen.
Even if I’ve had a long and rough day at work and I’m tired, if you have something to say, I promise to listen. Whether it’s ranting about someone at school, catching me up on your latest friend drama, or telling me about your newest crush my ears will always be open.
3. I promise to always tell you how beautiful you are.
I know what it’s like to look in the mirror, at magazines, and other girls on social media and grow to hate yourself. I know what it’s like to feel like your face is too chubby, your thighs are too thick, or be haunted by stretchmarks on your stomach. I know what it’s like to not feel pretty, and I promise that I will try my hardest to never let you feel that way. You are made in the image of God, and you were wonderfully created and you are beautiful just the way you are - never forget that.
4. I promise to always remind you that you don't need a boy to make you happy.
Guys can be jerks. Once you reach a certain age, you’ll feel like you have to have a boyfriend because everyone else does and you’ll think that if you don’t have one, something is wrong with you. That’s not the case. You’re perfect and you’re strong and you don’t need someone else (especially a guy) defining your self worth or be what you rely on to be happy.
5. I promise to always be there for you when you need to rant about some mean girls or some dumb boy from school.
Whatever it is, I’ll let you break something if you’re mad, eat cookie dough and ice cream with you if you’re sad, and threaten to beat up whoever has hurt you. I’m all ears (and on your side) all of the time.
6. I promise to take you for girls days out whenever you've had a long and stressful week.
I believe in retail therapy just as much as you do, and I remember my teenage years of having a rough week and shopping seeming like the only cure. If you’ve had a rough week, I promise I’ll treat you to lunch, a movie, shopping, or getting our nails done. Whatever makes you feel better (and plus I love a good excuse to treat myself).
7. I promise to be there to help you get ready for every school dance.
There were school dances that my parents missed out on for me, and I remember the feeling of wishing they were there to see me get ready or going to take pictures of me at the park with the rest of the parents. I promise to be there to help you pick out a dress for every school dance, get ready, take pictures, see you off, and stay up until you return to hear how it went. I want you to have the time of your life at school dances and feel beautiful at them and I promise to be a part of that.
8. I promise to teach you to love like Jesus does and shine His light.
Having a relationship with Christ has always and always will be the most important thing to me in life and I promise to teach you of His love for you and for others and to guide you in His path. We love because He first loved us, and I promise that you will treat everyone with love and respect and you will shine His light for all to see if I have anything to do with it.
9. I promise to embarrass you (only because that's what moms are supposed to do).
The first time you bring a boy home, I’m breaking out the baby pictures. Birthday slumber parties you have when you’re a teenager, better believe I’m gonna be in there karaoke-ing it up with y’all. Whatever it is, I’ll find a way to embarrass you. But, it’s only because I love you. I promise.
10. I promise to love you for forever.
I promise that for as long as you live, no matter what you do, you will never have to wonder if I love you. I will love you forever and for always, and nothing you could do could make me love you any less. I can promise you that.
If God decides to bless me with a daughter way down the road, I can promise that I will be the best mother that I can be and give my daughter everything she could dream of having in a mother. Until then, everything that I do now is for my future life and family, and I can’t wait until those days come.
