Labor

 

Labor

 

Today is Labor Day. Proclaimed by President Grover Cleveland in 1894 as a national holiday to honor men and women who by the sweat of their brow made the United States a prosperous country. Encouraged by labor unions, President Cleveland made the first Monday in September a day to acknowledge the backbone of the nation.

 

Now, Labor Day has morphed into the last holiday of the summer. With warm weather, people head to the beach and picnics one more time before summer turns into autumn and then winter. Who can blame anyone who forgets the  meaning of the holiday. Leisure has overshadowed the original intent.

 

My father didn’t forget to instruct his children concerning work. He had a stringent work ethic that he passed down to us. A son of the Great Depression and World War II taught him lessons he endeavored to teach us. It started with daily chores: beds made, rooms cleaned up, garbage put out, dishes done, dog poop picked up. Purpose given to these menial tasks.

 

Looking back, what I thought were meaningless chores to keep his children busy, were in fact the foundation of a work ethic that taught us that work is an essential part of life. Idleness was not the way to happiness. Hard work with purpose and a happy heart would bring both monetary and personal rewards.

I found his wisdom to be true. Thanks again Dad.

 

I can’t help but think of this hymn every time Labor Day appears on the calendar. It puts in perspective the eternal purpose of our labor.

 

For all the saints who from their labors rest,

Who thee by faith before the world confessed,

Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.

Alleluia, Alleluia