Say something good about dear old dad

A little boy was asked, "What's the difference between Mother's Day and Father's Day?"

Without hesitation he responded: "The presents don't cost as much." President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed in 1914 that the second Sunday in May be observed as Mother's Day. It wasn't until 1972 that Father's Day became a national holiday. Father's Day is June 20.

We make a lot of fun of Father's Day, but this year we're going to say something good about poor old dad.

God created Adam, man, father. Adam was the first person to be given life. God created man in his own divine image, a little more than an animal and just a bit lower than the angels.

God placed this first father in the Garden of Eden, gave this man the responsibility for tending God's garden, tilling and cultivating so that the garden produced in abundance.

Fathers have an example in Jesus Christ. Jesus is portrayed as the bridegroom, and the church is his bride. So, a man is expected to love his wife as much as Christ loves his church. Christ is the head of the church.

A man is expected to give leadership and direction to his family; fathers are to earn the respect and trust of wife and children. A husband is expected to share the responsibility for raising the children, and holding the family together in love.

Fathers are to be an example of Godly mercy, grace and love. When Jesus described what God is like, he said: "God is like a father!"

On this Father's Day, say a good word to dad! Love him, and let him know he's appreciated.

The Rev. Dr. Don Kuehle is a retired United Methodist minister who lives in Jackson.