I used to be a king in your world

The future was clear

‘Cause you were “Daddy’s Little Girl”

But all that has changed

Things aren’t the same anymore

I keep trying to hold on

As you’re heading toward the door

This life that we shared

For seventeen years

It used to bring joy

But now there’s fighting and there’s tears

I’m not giving in

But I have to let go

This bird has to fly

It’s out of my control

So I’m learning to love you with arms wide open

Letting you go so you can fly

Learning to love you with arms wide open

Hoping and praying you’ll touch the sky

Know that I love you ... and I always will

No matter where life takes you

You’re always welcome home, with arms wide open

It happened so fast

In the blink of an eye

This bird under wing

Is stretching to fly

It’s hard letting go

But it’s what I must do

‘Cause if I hold too tight

I’m going to lose you

So I’m learning to love you with arms wide open

Letting you go so you can fly

Learning to love you with arms wide open

Hoping and praying you’ll touch the sky

Know that I love you ... and I always will

No matter where life takes you

You’re always welcome home, with arms wide open

I want to catch you when you fall

To hold you tight and keep you safe

Protect you from all harm

But the greater gift of all

Is when I let you stumble, let you fall

‘Cause life’s a lesson to be learned

So I’m learning to love you with arms wide open

Letting you go so you can fly

Learning to love you with arms wide open

Hoping and praying you’ll touch the sky

Know that I love you ... and I always will

No matter where life takes you

You’re always welcome home, with arms wide open

With arms wide open

    As parents, we experience some big challenges in our lives. Our hopes and our dreams for our children don’t always turn out the way we planned. It makes you ask yourself: Is it really my responsibility to control my child’s destiny?

    Sure, we only want the best for our children, but is it our responsibility to decide what is “best” in their lives?

    I struggled with this when my daughters were in high school. Then I met with my spiritual director who told me, “Dan, you have to learn to love your children with arms wide open, like God does. They are growing up and need to find their own way in life.” He told me to not “give in” to them and to not compromise your values and beliefs, but to open my arms and my heart to new possibilities for growth.

    I still saw my daughters as my “little girls” who I would do anything for to protect. And though they will always be my little girls, I needed to let them grow ... and to grow myself.

    It took some time and the growth process was sometimes painful, but we weathered the storms of teenage years. I am proud of both of my daughters and love them both unconditionally. I see how the seeds we planted have grown strong roots while allowing them to grow as individuals.

    It’s not always easy, but learning to love with arms wide open is a valuable lesson. If you don’t believe me, take a look at the man hanging from the cross who died for our sins!