Labor: Work and More
The first Monday in September is designated as a federal holiday, Labor Day. Ironically, a day that honors labor, is a holiday and a day off from it. The long weekend to mark the end of summer recreation and the start of school, is often used as one last hurrah and a time for picnics, parades, and fun.
Congress declared the national holiday to honor the American labor movement and the contributions workers have made to the development and growth of America.
“Labor” is often synonymous with fatigue and effort, and when we work hard, we are tired. Sometimes we’re frustrated and even annoyed. But the qualities recognized in this holiday stretch beyond the physical and emotional responses to work, but to the qualities of endurance, productivity, and strength.
My immigrant family personified those traits and with it much character and gratitude for the ability to work. I think that is the significance of the holiday: a celebration of work, gratitude, and character. (Colossians 3:23)
Enjoy your picnic, perhaps a parade, and even some shopping discounts, but today, don’t loose the original intention of the holiday. Pause for a moment and be thankful for the opportunities and ability to work, and the character developed in the process.
The Conversation
Enjoyed your post ma’am. As a farmer/rancher, there’s not too many vacation days or holiday celebrations as the livestock really doesn’t care if it’s a holiday. All they know is they’re supposed to get fed each day; and when they don’t they come to the fence and holler (more of a loud moo) at me. Still, when you sit down after supper at the end of the day and you let out that final sigh to indicate your day is done, there is great satisfaction in knowing you’ve worked hard and accomplished something. Even if that something is a meaningless as shoveling out the barn. God’s blessings ma’am.
Thanks for another illustration, JD. Farmer/ranchers, and as my daughter taught her first graders, “community helpers”, often don’t have the holidays others enjoy. The sigh at the end of the day reflecting on hard work with purpose, offers the satisfaction and reward. Marilyn
Thanks Marilyn, Your words always give me the encouragement to keeps me going.
Thank you Sherry.
That’s a great point, Marilyn. We should be thankful for the opportunity and freedom to work, but even more so for the character it builds in us. God has designed us to make a difference and be productive. Even though Adam was living in paradise, God still gave him a job. God is always working, and we reflect His character when we work with the right heart.
Thanks Josh, for adding to the conversation. I’ve had a few jobs working my way through school that I was thankful for and remotely distant from professional goals, but definitely developed my character. Marilyn
Marilyn,
I enjoyed your post which honored the worker. The added values of “endurance, productivity, and strength” you mentioned are valuable assets. .My 37-year career as an educator was a blessing, but I also enjoyed working to build our family. Now I’m working as a writer and learning a lot.