Our country’s short history has seen some amazing accomplishments.  When you think about how quickly technology has advanced in just the past 30 years, it’s astounding.  Most kids don’t even know what a cassette player is, or the mention of a boom box might create visions of an explosive device.

When you think of how fast things have evolved from the late 1800s to today it’s mind-boggling.  For example roads and tunnels were carved through mountains; buildings were constructed to heights not before known on our landscape; railroads passed through lofty forests; and bridges linked one body of land to another – and all of this was achieved by the sweat of the brow and the actual lives of many.

Machines were not controlled by computers.  In fact, most of the machines were crude or invented on the spot to get the job done.  Many times muscle and brute strength were responsible for what was achieved.  They say necessity is the mother of invention.  I guess that was true then just as much as it is today, but it still amazes me to think that so much was accomplished with so little in the early days of our history.

God gave man the ability to work way back in the Garden of Eden.  He put Adam in charge of caring for the beautiful creation of His hands.  It wasn’t until sin entered the world that work became difficult.  God also gives us the brain power to figure out how to make our work easier, but it is still work.  Today we have been blessed with tools and inventions which continue to take the difficulty out of working, but those of us of the older generation still struggle with trying to figure them out.

I thank God for the men, women and children who made it possible for me to have the conveniences available to me today.  I also am grateful for the ingenuity and craftsmanship of those early years and the work ethic of our forefathers .  Let’s never forget all the lives that were spent building our nation, as well as the lives of those who shed their blood defending her.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me the ability to work.  It is truly a blessing and gift from you.  As I get older, I sometimes feel that if I ever stop working, my usefulness on this planet will be spent, but I know that you have a plan for every second I have left.   Strengthen me each day with the knowledge that you are beside me all the way. Amen!