Father's Day

Father’s Day is celebrated in the United States on the third Sunday of June.  It is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers and father figures in their children’s lives.  Father’s Day was inaugurated in the United States in the early 20th century with the first celebration in 1910 at the YMCA, Spokane, Washington originated by Sonora Smart Dodd.  In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson made the first presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day; and six years later the day was made a permanent national holiday by President Richard Nixon.

A father has such a vital role in a family – his example of love and respect to his wife teaches a son how to respect women and a daughter how to be honored by a man.  I oftentimes feel our society neglects this important family dynamic.  Christian fathers are to sacrificially love their children.  A child knows that a father cares for them by making them a priority.  Cultivating relationships with each child requires time, discipline and intentionality.

I was blessed to have a caring and loving father with strong values and faith.  I have the distinct pleasure of still having my father’s daily influence upon my life, while many of my friends must call upon the sweet memories.  A father’s relationship with his daughter is important because he’s the standard for what she will expect of a man and a lifelong partner.

The common roles of a father or The 5 P’s:

·         Participator/problem-solver (social/emotional/psychological needs)

·         Playmate (high-energy, physical play)

·         Principled guide (instill socially desirable behavior)

·         Provider (tangible resources – food, money, shelter, material possessions)

·         Preparer (of life’s challenges through family values and morals)

 In order to pass on our faith and impact future generations, a father should spend quality and quantity time with each child.  When we leave a godly legacy we can look back with great satisfaction of a job well done.

A Father's Love

You were the man who loved me first
The one who sat me on your knee.
You kissed my cuts and gave me hugs
And built that house up in the tree.
Even when you scolded me
You let me know your love
You told me all I need to know
About the stars above.
Thank you dad for all you did
And for loving me.
You showed me just how special
A father’s love can be.