Seek Her Heart: A Letter to My Son (on girls)

My Dear Son,
 Lately, you’ve been at the forefront of my mind. In fact, you and your future are pretty much all I can think about. With each passing day, month, and year, I’m infinitely aware of how fast time is flying by–how quickly you’re growing up.

 And it’s hard.

 You’re my boy–the one I’m raising, the one I cry over, laugh with, love, and yes, worry about…which is why I feel the need to share something with you (before I forget).  

 Now, I know at this stage of the game, you’re not all that interested in the opposite sex…but the time is coming. I see it already. Like when the young ladies from down the street show up at our front door, unannounced. Or the way your female classmates say “hi,” as they pass by you at school. And even though I can’t help but smile each time one of these precious creatures approaches you, there’s something I want you to keep in mind as those not-too-distant days of dating (and eventually marriage) hurriedly make their way onto the horizon:

 Set your sights on her heart.

 Pretty soon you’ll be spending a lot of time thinking about girls. Undeniably, there will be a number of them vying for your attention too. But the woman you fall in love with? The one you want to spend the rest of your life with? Son, her beauty doesn’t reside in her appearance. It’s not in the warm smile she boasts, or the made-up face she wears. Her beauty dwells within. It’s the way she loves the Lord—and the way in which she’ll love you. It’s in her faith. It’s found in her heart.

 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. –Luke 12:34 (NIV)

So, don’t allow our culture or this world we’re living in tell you otherwise. Don’t let it fool you into thinking that a woman’s worth is in the way she dresses, the way her hair is styled, or how her body looks…because it’s a lie. However, a woman whose heart resides in Christ? That’s the girl you want. A woman who loves and fears the Lord? Son, she’ll love you as the Bible instructs her to–when the money is tight and the bills are big, when hardship is found, and when illness is present. Indeed, that’s the union you’re looking for–one that’s centered in Him.

 This season that’s approaching? The road that’s just ahead? I pray you’ll seek the Lord’s counsel…that you’ll remain in His word. And I pray that the girl whose heart you seek to win, will have an everlasting love for our Heavenly Father.

 Because it’s everything.

 All My Love,

Mom

Taking Action:

1. Point the Way

Everyday our boys are subjected to images (via media) focused heavily on the outward appearances of women. But as their moms, we’re not powerless in what they’re exposed to. We can teach them to appreciate modesty, just as we can coach them on what’s most important in a world that chooses to do the opposite.

2. Pray

No matter their age, we can pray for the future of our boys and those of the women they‘ll marry. We can ask our Heavenly Father to provide them with wisdom and discernment in the days ahead. Because God should know the sound of our voice, the bending of our knees, and the cries of our heart.

Pray with me?

Heavenly Father,

 We come to you today seeking wisdom for our sons. We pray for the hearts of the girls they’ll date, along with the wives they will one day take. Lord, help these children cling to your truths, remain obedient to your will, and honor your commands. Provide them with the inner strength they’ll need to avoid the pitfalls the enemy places in their path. And we pray for their hearts. Lord, keep their intentions pure and their sights set on you.

 We ask this in your Son’s name,  

 Amen.