LABOR DAY
Christmas is king of the holidays. Thanksgiving, for most of us, falls in line behind Christmas, then for some, Valentines Day and on down the list. Somewhere close to the bottom of the barrel of popular holidays lies Labor Day.
If you look at a year like you would a body, then you’d probably figure that all the holidays work together through the course of a year to make up a satisfactory one. The brain and heart are like Christmas, Thanksgiving, like the senses, fittingly taste. And on down toward the bottom are the feet, the things that carry the load, do the work… kinda like Labor Day.
image courtesy of photo bucket.com
In Genesis, Adam was appointed to “dress and keep” the garden, which means when life was perfect, work was a gift. In a fallen way it still is. It’s not perfect, but it’s gratifying and it’s from the hand of God to help provide protection and provision in this physical world.
For everyone that toils over their tasks, grand or seemingly menial, my hat’s off to you. I respect folks that work to provide for others and the ones that work to share with others their intellectual gifts to encourage. All of its work if it takes effort… and effort is one of the characteristics of being “made in His image”.
When we work to provide for others and ourselves I believe God is honored… whether we sweat or not. Work is a gift meant to provide for our physical and, in a round-a-bout way, our spiritual needs as well.
Sacrifice of our time, energy, and the wear and tear on the body is the fruit of love for others.
Some of the other holidays get a lot of attention and the credit for love, and deservedly so, but when you’re counting love, you can’t discount the action of sacrifice in labor. It’s like they say; actions speak louder than words…
Happy Labor Day to all. And don’t forget to thank the One, and ones, that show or have shown their love in laboring for you.
Sunday, September 4, 2016 @ 5:20 pm
So true, Floyd. I am very thankful for my job. It doesn’t pay a lot of money but it is a very satisfying to know your efforts count, especially in a non-profit organization like where I work. Good thoughts, my friend.
Sunday, September 4, 2016 @ 7:18 pm
Labor Day is one of the more unromantic holidays. But I love it because it’s usually around mine and Jeff’s anniversary. 😉 Which is today! 24 years. Jeff has put in a lot of labor to stay married to me and I praise God for it. Have a great holiday, Floyd.
Thursday, September 8, 2016 @ 1:22 pm
Happy Anniversary Lisa and Jeff !! Wow, 24 years
Sunday, September 4, 2016 @ 7:32 pm
Hello, my friend. I know it has been long time. I’m finally able to access my email on my phone and also read your posts…I didn’t realize you wrote a book. That is so awesome! God has given you a gift. I’m glad you are sharing it with others. People may not see that being a mother and house wife as anything but to me, it’s very satisfying. Hope all is well with you and your family. God bless!
Sunday, September 4, 2016 @ 10:34 pm
I love the way you reminded us to thank God…AND those who are laboring or have labored for us. My Daddy was a very hard worker, and I remember going to meet him for lunch, and him being soaked with sweat from toiling out in the FL heat. He was never afraid of work and was willing to do anything. He was one of the most humble men I ever knew. So thankful for his guidance while growing up. It is very sad, but the younger generation (for the most part) have never been taught how fulfilling a hard day’s work really is. Thank you for another wonderful post, brother. That is so neat that you have written a book…CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Tuesday, September 6, 2016 @ 7:39 am
Now at our age we are grateful we can still work a full day when needed. For sure our work has changed and is not as hard as when we were younger. But both Ace and I are surprised at our age that we can work up a sweat when needed. It may take us longer to recover but it feels good to to work. We are grateful both our grown children know how to work and be grateful for it. Good reminders brother.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016 @ 12:30 pm
You shared a lot, covered a lot of the Word and the history of the Lord and our world and what’s going on. I could tell you some of my info pieces, but not on here. You always make me nod happily, b/c I know you are doing wonderful, special things. Thank you, Bro!!
Tuesday, September 6, 2016 @ 2:33 pm
We do often forget to thank the One who gives us work and a job. We need to stop looking at a job as a drudgery and start seeing it as a ministry. Thanks for the good Labor Day lesson Floyd.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016 @ 11:14 am
All it takes for me is to spend a day here and there under the power of pain’s thumb holding me down. I feel ineffective because I can’t “do” for others and love them with the gifts Father God placed within me. Sometimes it even hurts to think! I am so grateful for healthy days full of work and purpose!
Thursday, September 8, 2016 @ 10:18 am
Great post here, Floyd! I like the image of Labor Day kinda being at the bottom of the pile (undeservedly so!) If it wasn’t for all those who work so hard in this country, I hate to think what a fix we’d be in!
Yes, the Lord gave Adam work to do in the garden. And I have to agree with you that it must have been very rewarding and fulfilling. I also believe that we will have *work* to do in eternity, and that our specific tasks will be tailor-made for each one of us. Won’t it be wonderful to serve the Lord in perfection?!
GOD BLESS!
Thursday, September 8, 2016 @ 1:33 pm
Work is rewarding in many ways. Physically and mentally it is healthy for a job well done. Even as children, I and my siblings worked delivering papers and mowing lawns. Robert worked very hard at the risk of his health. Today he tries to complete a small task early in the morning while there is still strength.
Paul reminds us that work provides food, and those who don’t work should not eat. We think that is harsh but then on close examination, there are ways to work even for those who can’t physically do hard labor. At one time, I took in children while their mother’s worked, not charging a lot, but it helped with the grocery bill. I like your illustration of Adam caring for the garden, even before he was sent out of the garden to work with the sweat of his brow. I also liked the way you compared the holidays to a body, and finally the feet and hands that work. May God grant you the wisdom and strength to continue to work as long as you are able. May your business succeed and be favored by those you come in contact with. Your writing is a LABOR of LOVE and we certainly do enjoy each post you share. Thank you for sharing this one with us here at Tell me a Story.
Friday, September 9, 2016 @ 12:22 pm
“Sacrifice of our time, energy, and the wear and tear on the body is the fruit of love for others.” Love that–so true. Hard to see it until you become a parent, but it’s all love. Thanks Floyd.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016 @ 12:43 pm
It would be wonderful if we could get that Labor Day message to the masses that want everything free. Those who have no problem living off the work of others. I’m not talking about those who can’t work, but those who chose not to. Not only do they cause a burden to society, but they harm themselves as they are unable to feel pride in a job well done, and the ability to feel good about their contribution to the betterment of something other than themselves. I agree, we don’t often consider the meaning of Labor Day or acknowledgement of those who contribute to life.