I am not a creative parent. I may be a decent parent. I think I can be a real pain as a parent, but I am lacking in the creativity department. I do recognize that creativity is a good thing, when it comes to the parental role. I appreciated an interesting parental story that Donald Miller shares in his most recent release.

It seems a father was engrossed in ESPN or the like when his daughter came in to show off her new prom dress. He dutifully muted the television and complimented her dress. She went on about her way and he went back to his ballgame. That is where I part ways with him. I would have extended the compliment and given little more thought to the interchange. He had this feeling gnawing at him that he should have said more to his impressionable teenage daughter.

Enter creativity into this scenario. The father of the teenage girl proceeds to turn his show off and go change into a suit and tie. He then knocks on the door of his daughter’s room. She comes to the door with straight pins carefully place in the dress that her mother is preparing to alter. She of course asks her dad what is up with the suit. And he says……I thought I had better look nice if we are going to have our picture made together. So they did…Pictures were taken and the creative father proceeded to dance with his daughter and his wife in the living room until 1:00 in the morning. I wonder if that girl will ever forget the events leading up to her high school prom.

I am not a father of daughters, which is probably a good thing. When I read that story, I was reminded that a little creativity goes a long way in making a memory for a child. I am sure that girl feel affirmed and loved in a special kind of way. Such parental creativity does not come naturally for the vast majority of us, but that is no excuse. We just need to turn off the television and let our minds wonder a bit. Lifelong memories could be closer than what we think.

As I read the story recounted by Donald Miller, I was reminded of the lyrics from the Steven Curtis Chapman song entitled: Cinderella. I think they are a pretty good reminder even for those of us who are fathers of boys.

She spins and she sways to whatever song plays, Without a care in the world. And I’m sitting here wearing the weight of the world on my shoulders. It’s been a long day and there’s still work to do, She’s pulling at me saying “Dad I need you! There’s a ball at the castle and I’ve been invited and I need to practice my dancin'” “Oh please, daddy, please!” Chorus: So I will dance with Cinderella While she is here in my arms ‘Cause I know something the prince never knew Oh I will dance with Cinderella I don’t want to miss even one song ‘Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight And she’ll be gone. Verse 2: She says he’s a nice guy and I’d be impressed She wants to know if I approve of the dress She says, “Dad the prom is just one week away And I need to practice my dancin’ “Oh please, daddy , please!” Chorus: So I will dance with Cinderella While she is here in my arms ‘Cause I know something the prince never knew Oh I will dance with Cinderella I don’t want to miss even one song ‘Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight And she’ll be gone Verse 3: Well she came home today with a ring on her hand Just glowin’ and tellin’ us all they had planned She says, “Dad the wedding’s still six months away but I need to practice my dancin’ “Oh please, daddy , please!” Chorus: So I will dance with Cinderella While she is here in my arms ‘Cause I know something the prince never knew Oh I will dance with Cinderella I don’t want to miss even one song ‘Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight And she’ll be gone