I was struck with it before I knew it. I was being nice. I was being quiet. I was driving my thirteen year old daughter and her friends to the beach. They were yapping and giggling when one of the girls asked if "getting a shot" was the same whether it's for taking blood or receiving an injection. I stayed silent while the other girls explained it to her...but she was still confused. Then I fell.
I thought that I'd try to help and add my reassuring testimonial to the explanation. Faster than a frightened cat, two hands came up in a blocking motion behind my head and the incantation was proclaimed, "Shield of Invisibility, Shield of Invisibility." And I realized I had succumbed to my general good nature when the right thing to do was just pay attention to the road and be a good driver.
The spiritual information guide in this area is clear. To be a good dad to a thirteen year old girl means that you carry things (happily but with self-respect), you pay for things (generously but wisely), and you stay small until you're needed (close but not TOO close.) Things should work out pretty well for everyone that way.
Being thirteen is an exciting age for anyone. You can actually have a self-acknowledged affect on this wonderfully mysterious world around you. There are many obstacles to overcome. But being a teenager means that you're ready for them. That's what's so exciting. Whatever the challenge, now it's your turn to create the resources you'll need to meet life...just like every other adult does.
