Why is Father’s Day held in June? The answer lies in the origins of the day designed to honor fathers everywhere: June 19 was the birthday of William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised his six motherless children alone. When his eldest daughter, Sonora Louise Smart Dodd, grew up, she realized the sacrifices he had made as a single father. To pay him tribute, she proposed the idea of a “father’s day” similar to Mother’s Day, which began in 1872.
The first Father’s Day was held June 19, 1910, on Smart’s birthday in Dodd’s hometown, Spokane, Washington. By 1924, President Calvin Coolidge was a supporter of the idea of a day honoring fathers, but it wasn’t until 1966 that the third Sunday in June was officially set aside as Father’s Day. President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation.
There is the history! Now, what about today? Why do some people cringe at Father’s Day? I realize that not all people have had great role models for fathers, but what about those who do? If we are to hold scripture to heart when it says “mourn with those who mourn” there is also the part that precedes this that says “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12). So, in the same way I wish that many people had good role models for fathers, this week I ask you to rejoice with me in the fact that I have a great father.
I never want to give tribute to my dad, when it is too late, after he is gone, but rather people need to know what makes this man tick. My dad is a huge support for me, my brothers and our family. He is there to listen, to give advice and to just cheer me on. He has worked hard all of his life. He served as a pastor and as management at City Hall (at the same time). My dad is the fastest human being alive. When he worked with the city he was off work at 4:30 and home by 4:00. No, that is just a joke, he is a man of integrity, and honesty. He provided and cared for his family. He gave his all and still giving to this day. Dad is a Godly man, given without compromise. I recall many times that he stood by my side, at graduation and even when we began to plant a new church he prodded me on with great vigor and pride.
Dad is confident, firm and yet fair, and when we talk he is always speaking with patience, tenderness and care and providing insight that few others could. He has laid the foundation that has kept me upright. In my opinion, he's the grandest of men to have lived on this earth. He's a man of great dignity, honor and strength. His merits are noble, and of admirable length. He's far greater than all other men that I know, He's my Dad, he's my mentor, my friend and hero.
What are the positive aspects of your father?
2 comments:
I've had the privelege of going through Soul Searching with your Dad twice now and I've learned so much from him. He is someone that I look to as a role model as I travel down the path of Christianity. He is a tremendous teacher, wise beyond his years, with a great heart.
As for my own Dad, I wrote a little blurb on my blog about just one of the millions of reasons why he is my hero. He is a loving man who just goes through life loving every minute of it, with a tendency to go well out of his way to help someone. He's also my best friend.
Well, my Dad and I have had a strained relationship because of my mom and he separating, and divorcing when I was young. I didn't get to see him much and he had no part in raising me.
It has only been in the past year or two that God has started mending our relationship. I have come to respect my Dad a great deal. He has become a real man of God and I am proud of who he is.
I am happy that my young step-sister will be brought up with such a good Dad. I am also happy that my children will grow up with such an amazing granddad.
Lexi
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