Who is walking in your shadow?

I was walking barefoot on the beach with my young daughter. We were holding hands and she was walking irregularly. She was kind of hopping and walking at the same time. I didn’t think anything of it. She was excited to be at the beach.

Then she said, “Daddy, I’m trying to walk in your shadow.”

In a moment, a flood of thoughts came into my mind. Is my shadow one she should walk in or should I point her to someone else? Do I need to change some things in order to be a shadow worth walking in?

Regardless of my worthiness, should I encourage her to walk on her own, not under anyone’s shadow? I suppose we all walk in the shadow of someone from time to time. We never really expect or feel like anyone is walking in our shadows, do we?

It happens, though. We all find safety in walking in the shadow of someone else. Eventually, we need to step out on our own, not alone, but not walking the same exact path either.

For now, here she is, walking in Daddy’s shadow. How do I build her up and love her well? One day, she will not be walking in my shadow anymore. I strive to make our time together such that it will prepare her well for that day.

A few seconds after her comment, I told my daughter, “It’s alright to do that for a while.”

Who is walking in your shadow? Are you setting them up well? Are you being the best version of you possible?

Go cast a shadow worth walking in.