Thoughts about Labor Day

Labor Day is a federal holiday that is always the first Monday in September.  While school children might yearn for Labor Day for a short week at school and the some employees might relish Labor Day as a time to celebrate the un-official ending of summer at their favorite vacation spot , Labor Day is much more than that.   While some holidays are to celebrate a particular person (such as Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, or George Washington) or a particular event (such as Thanksgiving or Easter),  Labor Day is the day to celebrate the common man and woman whose work by the sweat of the brow and whose creativity adds to our quality of life. 

Semi-retirement has given me a differing perspective on work.  While some might yearn for work-free days,  retirement is teaching me what a joy and priviledge it is to work.   Through our work, we not only make a living, but we make a difference in the lives of others.    Work also makes a difference in our lives in that it gives us satisfaction.  It feels good when someone expresses their appreciation for “a job well done”.

Jesus knew something about work.  While we know few details,  I believe it is a safe assumption that he knew something about work by the sweat of the brow as a “carpenter’s son.”  Jesus also talked about work and labor.  In Luke 12:26-28 we read: 

²⁶ Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?²⁷ “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ²⁸ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!

In Matthew 11: 28, Jesus says:

Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

As we mark another Labor Day in all sorts of ways, I give thanks to the countless people known and unknown who make my life better through their hard work.   I also give thanks that God is always working.    Have a great week and Labor Day.-  Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:    O God,  thank you for the gift of work and for the satisfaction it brings.  Most of all, I thank you for your salvation work in Christ Jesus and that your Spirit is still alive and working in this world.  Help me to yield my life to your Word and for your work;  through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.