Father’s Day is upon us
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”
Luke 15:20
Father’s Day is upon us, making this a perfect time to delve into a little history.
Did you know Father’s Day was first celebrated in the YMCA of Spokane, Wash., June 19, 1910?
A lady by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd was inspired to ask the minister after a Mother’s Day sermon, “Don’t you think fathers deserve a little time in the sun, too?”
This was particularly important to her, as Sonora and her five siblings were raised by their single father, Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart.
Wanting to honor her father, who had clearly earned the love and respect of his children, she set about founding a national holiday.
While most of us can’t go to that extreme, we can certainly spare a day of gratitude for the men who helped us become who we are today.
My biological father actually inspired my scripture selection for the above passage. I still remember being a youth when Dad told me that at any time in my life I ever needed anything, for any reason, I need only ask and he’d always help me — a promise he’s always kept.
That taught me that a godly man and father never witholds from those he loves. I’m also blessed to have a stepfather who never hesitated to love and raise me as his own.
This taught me that a godly man and father defines his life by giving love and uplifting others. Of course, most importantly our Heavenly Father deserves our honor today.
Every day we live in the presence of an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving God waiting to shower us with grace and blessings, comfort and kindness, and joy and peace if only we ask.
So, I hope today you take the time to remember the love given to you, and give out some love in return.