The importance of observing Father's Day

Every year on the third Sunday of June we take time to honor a certain group of individuals who play an important part in our lives and our development as human beings:  fathers.  It is on this day that we express our love and gratitude toward the men who helped to raise us. The practice of observing Father’s Day began sometime in the early 20th century as a counterpart to Mother’s Day.  It is now celebrated internationally in several countries.

Father’s Day is a very special holiday,  because fathers are very special people.  It is they who provide the male influence in our lives.  They play a significant role in our personal development.  Father’s Day allows us a chance to pay tribute to fathers and the contribution they make to the family unit and to society at large.

The concept of a father’s role has changed over the years, as have society’s views about the roles of men and women in general.  At one time the father was the family bread-winner, while the woman held a more domestic role in the household.  It was a father’s job to be a strong, masculine disciplinarian who provides for his wife and children,  while it was the woman’s position to cook, clean and nurture.

Nowadays,  the father’s responsibilities still include these traditional elements,  but also they have expanded into new territories.  Today’s father still possesses the instinct of the provider and defender of his family,  but he also shares in the chores of cooking and cleaning.  He may still be the one who teaches his son how to hit a baseball,  or who teaches his daughter how to drive a car, but he is also a nurturer and a comforter. He continues to be the symbol of masculinity and discipline,  but he is now also a symbol of sensitivity.

Although the role of a father has undergone some evolution over the past few decades,  it has always been an important one.  It is essential that we as a society commemorate the love and sacrifice a father must make to fulfill this role.  Acknowledging the benefaction we receive from our papas and expressing our gratitude for it,  is a major part of what Father’s Day is all about.

Divorce is very common nowadays. While in some cases fathers may be the main or sole custodians of their children, it is also often the case that they do not live in the same home.  Nonetheless,  the divorced male parent can still provide material support and love for his family.  They still contribute to the lives of their children by providing them with money, and by spending any available time bonding with them.  Even if they do not see them as often as they like,  these fathers can still take part in the discipline which helps to build character in his children and still share precious moments with them.  So even though some fathers are not a part of the family home,  they still are major contributors, and it is equally vital to honor them and cherish them on this holiday.

Step-fathers are another figure we should recognize on Father’s Day.  Though they are not biological parents, they still fulfill the role that is expected of a male role model.  Though of no blood relation to the children,  they can be just as much a father to them as a natural one.

It should be mentioned that there are situations which are not so ideal. There are those who have been abandoned by our fathers. Some of us may have had fathers who did not do a very good job fulfilling their role.  Some people do not have a father at all. Those of us who are lucky enough to have had a good male role model in our house should be grateful for it,  because some people do not.  That is not to say that such children who did not are deprived.  They can still receive adequate love from a single mother.  But having a good father is a wonderful thing.  In those cases where a father has been less than ideal, it may be possible for the family to forgive him and to honor him on this holiday.

Father’s Day is a time to show respect to the men we call “Dad”.  It is a time for us to thank them for the good they have done in our lives; and, likewise, it is a time to forgive them for whatever shortcomings they may have.  Fathers may not always be perfect,  they may not always know best,  but for the most part they do love us and try their best to provide the care and discipline we need to become complete human beings.  We owe  to them to observe at least one day of recognition.

/ Images: www.freedigitalphotos.net

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