Next week, my daughter will marry the man of her dreams.

This is the only man she has ever dated. Does that sound counter-cultural? Is that wise? Is that biblical?

As I reflect on the dating habits of my children, I evaluate our strategy. Did we steer them right? Did we give wise counsel?

Back when my firstborn was entering the dating years, she read, I Kissed Dating Goodbye. It was a movement toward courtship. It sounded sweet and promoted purity. Our heart was to have our children enter marriage as God intended­—pure. Many words of wisdom swirl in my head. How do I equip my children in their view toward dating, which eventually leads to marriage?

“Wait to date” until you as more grounded and solidified in who you are in Christ, was the approach we took.

Dating wasn’t forbidden, but we definitely promoted holding off until after high school. We wanted God to direct their path without distractions. Our heart desired to shelter them from unnecessary heartache.

It was a fine line.

We taught our children the two most important decisions they will ever make was….

1.  #1 – To Love and Choose Christ Daily

2. #2 – Who You Marry

Those two actions will alter your life. We encouraged them to choose their mate wisely because that will direct their path in life.

In a week, my husband will walk our (second) little girl down the aisle. (He will also marry her. Pretty honoring!) She has chosen a God godly man. He loves God deeply and has committed his life to missions.

Watching God lead your children to their forever spouse keeps you on your knees. We pray consistently for their future mates.

I challenge you to rethink your mindset toward dating. Have you followed the world’s standards or God’s heart? I am not claiming I have found the perfect way to guide children toward their future husband or wife. BUT I do believe parents hold a profound role in pouring wisdom into the dating realm.

Pray. Seek wisdom.

Talk with your children about the pros and cons. Open a dialogue about the world’s standard versus God’s design. Equipping our children to make one of the biggest decisions of their life is a delicate topic that you must approach with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Dig into scripture. Open the conversation. Then pray daily.