When we think of Labor Day, we tend to look at it as an American holiday. Actually, it was first instituted by Canada after many labor disputes over 12-hour workdays. Like our neighbors to the north, the U.S. quickly followed suit and Labor Day was designated as a day to honor all the workers who helped to make our country into what it is. It’s hard to imagine working for 12 hours each day – especially in jobs that require you to be awake and alert. For example, if you were a laborer in the steel industry and fell asleep at the job it could mean the difference between life and death. At the turn of the 19th century, the leaders of industry were interested in building this new nation with all of its natural resources. The physical resources of everyday men and women provided the necessary grit and stamina to bring those ideas to fruition.
I officially retired when I was 75. After a year, I discovered that something was wrong. I no longer had a routine. No more getting up at 6 AM. I could sleep until noon if I wanted to. No more scripts to write. No more, the loud sound of young voices. The reality of being without that part of my life, made me realize how important it was for me. After a year, I returned to my love of theatre and got involved in a local performing arts company. Here I am at 84 years old and I still wake most mornings at 6 AM. I try to maintain some structure, but age has limited me. When I’m not busy, I often feel unnecessary. God is still blessing me with things to do.
Work is not a curse, as many think. God didn’t punish mankind for his disobedience with work – even though many believe their jobs to be unrewarding and mundane. He gave us the ability to share ideas, to dig into a project, solve problems, be part of a team, to give us a purpose in our living. When the first human beings disobeyed God, work became difficult. (Genesis 3:1.) Labor was designed by God at the time of creation. The fall into sin caused work to be done by the sweat of the brow. Today as you celebrate this holiday, thank God for work. Through it, you have a reason for getting up each day.
Dear, Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of labor. Without the ability to work, we are losing out on so much. Our hands were not meant to be idle. Our ideas should be put into action. Our purpose in serving you, should be witnessed through our labors. Help us to remember that work results in action. Action gives us purpose. All things in your creation are good and the fruits of our laboring are a testament to that. In Jesus name, I praise, thank and honor you. Amen!
THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!
I had a situation with a nasty principal who asked me to resign from my last position. He was jealous of my relationship with parents…wrote me up. And wrote me up for accepting hugs from masked children during Covid. I should have fought him.
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You came from a time when respect for our supervisors in the workplace was still a thing. Today, employees have little respect for their employers. What happened?
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I don’t know all the reasons. He said a teacher complained to him that I sighed behind my mask. I was an assistant. My last year was 2023. He hired me in 2017 and all my reviews were excellent prior to the last year. He was a new principal, never had the job before. He pulled me aside in the cafeteria and said if I didn’t resign, he would make life difficult for me as far as reviews. I told another assistant and she wanted me to fight him, but it would be his word against mine. When I left, he is still working in the district but in another position. He was young, in his 40’s and I know his goal was to become a superintendent in his 40’s. He did get a doctorate a year ago.
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Sorry you had to go through that. Now that you’ve retired. you are your own boss. Happy Labor Day!
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Well said, Kathy! I like how you said, “work is not a curse as many think.”
I saw a cartoon the other day, couple of kids asking why we were celebrating labor day when nobody is even pregnant?! Made me chuckle. Many people genuinely don’t know the origins. Labor Day is just the end of camping season. 🙂
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So true. Many think we’re honoring vets. Some may even consider pregnant moms (who should have a day to be honored!). Or just another day off of work. This was established when children and women were working in hot factories and mills just to make enough to survive. Not to mention the men carving through mountains and laying railroad tracks; miners putting their lives at risk; farmers who fed our nation; along with craftsmen, artists, doctors, law enforcement and many others. Happy Labor Day😃
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Happy Labor Day, Kathy! 🙂
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