There are a lot of slants applied to the meaning of this long weekend.
Labor Day is one of those holidays that ends up like Jell-O at the end of a hot picnic. You can shape it about any way you want.
There are those who use it for a time to promote unions, who argue for political points, who urge us to honor workers.
And then there is the suggestion that we take some time, on this occasion to honor work itself.
That’s right.
To recognize that labor is significant, whether we are doing exactly what we want or not, whether we are getting paid what we believe we deserve or not, whether we believe we are respected for our efforts or not.
And, frankly, in the current climate, for most of us, there would be a lot of “nots” in there.
All the more reason that we ought to consider being more respectful of those workers around us and to honor what they do that makes our lives easier.
From the people who stock the shelves in the discount store, to the guy who makes sure that our sewage gets pumped out of the city. Consider for just a moment all of those workers who impact your daily life. Consider how important their work really is in your usual course each day. Or, perhaps more importantly, consider what would happen in your day if, suddenly, their work was not done.
The following is an old, old prayer There are a lot of slants applied to the meaning of this long weekend.
Labor Day is one of those holidays that ends up like Jell-O at the end of a hot picnic. You can shape it about any way you want.
There are those who use it for a time to promote unions, who argue for political points, who urge us to honor workers.
And then there is the suggestion that we take some time, on this occasion to honor work itself.
That’s right.
To recognize that labor is significant, whether we are doing exactly what we want or not, whether we are getting paid what we believe we deserve or not, whether we believe we are respected for our efforts or not.
And, frankly, in the current climate, for most of us, there would be a lot of “nots” in there.
All the more reason that we ought to consider being more respectful of those workers around us and to honor what they do that makes our lives easier.
From the people who stock the shelves in the discount store, to the guy who makes sure that our sewage gets pumped out of the city. Consider for just a moment all of those workers who impact your daily life. Consider how important their work really is in your usual course each day. Or, perhaps more importantly, consider what would happen in your day if, suddenly, their work was not done.
The following is an old, old prayer that was written by the great theologian John Calvin:
“My God, Father and Savior, since you have commanded us to work in order to meet our needs, sanctify our labor that it may bring nourishment to our souls as well as to our bodies.
“Make us constantly aware that our efforts are worthless unless guided by your light and by your hand.
“Make us faithful to the particular tasks for which you have bestowed upon us the necessary gifts, taking from us any envy or jealousy at the vocations of others.
“Give us a good heart to supply the needs of the poor, saving us from any desire to exalt ourselves over those who receive our bounty.
“And if you should call us into greater poverty than we humanly desire, save us from any spirit of defiance or resentment, but rather let us graciously and humbly receive the bounty of others.
“Above all, may every temporal grace be matched by spiritual grace, that in both body and soul we may live to your glory.”
Amen.
— Chuck Smith
that was written by the great theologian John Calvin:
“My God, Father and Savior, since you have commanded us to work in order to meet our needs, sanctify our labor that it may bring nourishment to our souls as well as to our bodies.
“Make us constantly aware that our efforts are worthless unless guided by your light and by your hand.
“Make us faithful to the particular tasks for which you have bestowed upon us the necessary gifts, taking from us any envy or jealousy at the vocations of others.
“Give us a good heart to supply the needs of the poor, saving us from any desire to exalt ourselves over those who receive our bounty.
“And if you should call us into greater poverty than we humanly desire, save us from any spirit of defiance or resentment, but rather let us graciously and humbly receive the bounty of others.
“Above all, may every temporal grace be matched by spiritual grace, that in both body and soul we may live to your glory.”
Amen.
— Chuck Smith