Today is Father’s Day. Yesterday my husband and I dropped both our children off at a camp to work for the summer. His gift hasn’t arrived in the mail yet. I am blogging as he reclines on the sofa, eyes glued to the TV. The room is silent except for the TV noise and the click of the computer keys. Yet it is still a good day for my hubby.
Sonora Louise Smart Dodd was only sixteen when her mother passed away, leaving her father alone to care for his children. She was the eldest of six, with five younger brothers. After hearing a sermon about Mother’s Day, she decided that fathers, and especially her own, needed to be recognized as well as mothers. She spent sixty-two years speaking all around the country, campaigning to make Father’s Day a recognizable holiday. Finally, in 1972, President Nixon signed it into being.
I can’t imagine what it took for Mr. Dodd to care for and raise six children on his own. He must have done something right, though, for Sonora to spend years and years advocating for a day of national recognition for her dad.
Last night hubby wondered aloud if the kids would think of him today and remember to call or text. Not because they’re selfish, uncaring kids, but because they’re hundreds of miles away and very busy. I assured him his mom would text him, and that I would be here with him too. Nice, but not the same.
First thing this morning a text came in from our daughter. Great job, honey! I meant to send a quick message to our son, but I forgot to. Late morning my husband received a phone call. I heard the joy in his voice as he talked to our son. Yay! Two for two!
Does It Matter What We Think? While Father’s Day is a holiday created to celebrate and recognize the work of our fathers, I can’t help but think of another Father, one who doesn’t have a specific date each year to celebrate Him. I am sure many people entertain God in their minds on Easter, Christmas, and maybe Thanksgiving as they say a brief prayer of thanks before digging in to their delicious feasts. But doesn’t He deserve more than that? The Bible tells us God has, “loved (us) with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3) And David sings in Psalm 139:13, “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.” Wow, what a great love. How about you? I know for me, sometimes it’s difficult remembering to acknowledge my heavenly Father as often as I should. I don’t want it to be only once a year, or every few months, and I don’t think He wants that either. I want to offer praise and thanksgiving daily to a Father who loves me and you so dearly that He released His only son to die for us.
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