Today is Father’s Day. The history of its origin is rather vague. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recommended that Father’s Day become a national holiday, but nothing was done. Years later in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson designated the third Sunday in June as the official day to celebrate Father’s Day. However, it wasn’t until 1972, during the Nixon administration, that Father’s Day was officially recognized as a national holiday. 
Two different women claim credit for this holiday. One in Washington state, Sonora Smart Dodd. She had the idea of honoring and celebrating her father while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon at church in 1909. Mothers seemed to be getting all the acclaim while fathers were equally deserving of a day of gratitude. Her father was a Civil War veteran that raised six children alone after his wife died in childbirth.
The other lady, Grace Golden Clayton suggested on July 5, 1908, to the minister of the local Methodist church that they hold services to celebrate fathers after a deadly mine explosion killed 361 men. She proposed Father’s should be given a day of praise like mothers.
Father’s Day is a bittersweet holiday for me. I am one lucky girl to have the amazing dad that I do. He is compassionate, intelligent, loving, faithful, generous, respected, and so much more than words could ever describe. A giant in faith he is a true son of God. Best of all, he came into our lives about a decade after my daddy was called home to be with the Lord. God, our Heavenly Father, is so good and knows what we need, when we need it. He put Dad in our lives to help heal that broken spot that was ripped open when Daddy died. Dad has been a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and grandfather. God used a bad situation for good. I am forever grateful.
Sure there are times I still miss my Daddy. All girls need their daddies. I also miss both of my grandfathers, too. My paternal grandfather, Granddaddy, and I were particularly close. I was the first born on that side, and yes, spoiled rotten. Today isn’t about tears and missing them. It is about the good memories of the time we had together. The promise of seeing them again in Heaven. It is a time to be thankful. So, I am. Thankful for all of the men in my family. For the grandfathers, fathers, hubby, uncles, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, nephews, and cousins. You are appreciated and loved even though you may not hear the words. Happy Father’s Day especially to Dad! I love you and am grateful you are in my life. To the other patriarch in our family, Uncle Gale, ditto to you! To my husband, son, and son-in-law, thank you for taking care of me and our family.
Father’s Day should be a day to rejoice, appreciate, be glad, and love. Enjoy your day! Don’t forget to spend time with our Heavenly Father, too. Tell a Him how much you appreciate Him.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 