The Story of Father's Day

Father's Day, contrary to popular misconception, was not established as a holiday in order to help greeting card manufacturers sell more cards. In fact when a "father's day" was first proposed there were no Father's Day cards!

 

Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day." In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day. Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day.

It takes a moment to father a child but being a father takes a lifetime.

Who is a father? 

A man who raises a child. 

Any man who loves a child and who by his own good example is committed to lifetime of consistently providing, caring, teaching, supporting and protecting the child.

A father

• Loves unconditionally as God has loved us by giving Jesus. He practices the attributes of love in 1Cor 13
• Is a Communicator. He must first learn to communicate with the heavenly father in prayer and reading the word and being a doer. He must seek direction and hear from God. He must communicate with his children often and is a good listner
• Is a Teacher and a Counsellor.  He must teach his children the Word of God-The truth, a light on to their path and a guide to their feet. He must be grounded in the scriptures and practice what he preaches. .Encourage his children to Be obedient and to develop the Fruit of the Spirit. To be responsible at home and in the society. He must give good counsel.
• Is a Provider. Financially for his child’s present and future needs. Teach them Money management and budgeting

Physical needs. -  a home, clothing, food.

          Emotional needs –love, affection, being there, celebrating their achievement and successes encouraging, advising and directing when they are not successful .Be approachable anytime

           Spiritual needs. You are a priest in your home. Support, guide and counsel by the Word of God.

•   Is a Protector

          Physically from all dangers.

          Spiritually protecting and lifting them up in your prayers.

Practical advise for Fathers.

·            Participate in the nitty-gritty of your child’s life by giving a bath,  changing a diaper, or helping with homework.

·    When you discipline your child, always be sure to explain why his or her behaviour is wrong or harmful.

·    The next time your kids catch you in an inconsistency, don’t be afraid to admit you are wrong.

·    Ask your wife to help you identify your mood patterns and their effects on your children. Make sure you pick up your clothes and keep your room tidy.

·    Sit down with your schedule and block out time to spend with your kids. Then follow through on your commitment.

·    The next time you leave on a business trip, type up an itinerary so your kids know where you are at all times.

·            Humans need a dozen hugs every day. Make sure you do your part to meet your child’s needs in this area.

Develop a plan to provide consistent moral and ethical training for your children. Make sure your life

reflects the values you’re teaching.

Children long for consistency in a father’s schedule and daily habits.