Happy Labor Day Weekend!
In the U.S., Labor Day is called the “unofficial end of summer”. For many it is the final weekend before school gets started again, and often when people take their final vacation for the year. It is also a time in the U.S. that marks the beginning of football season, when both NCAA and NFL get their seasons kicked-off (pun-intended). By this time of year the summer heat has subdued a bit and the weather is slightly milder, and families usually try to get one final weekend to enjoy the outdoors with BBQ and other outdoor gatherings. It is truly a great family holiday. But why do we celebrate Labor Day, really?
Scripture: “Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.” – Psalm 111:2
Observation/Application:
Labor Day is a U.S. holiday that honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of the country. But Labor is celebrated also in Canada, and more than 80 other countries celebrate International Workers’ Day. Interesting right? As a human race, we have set aside 1 day of the year to celebrate the worker, and to give ourselves a day for rest. And whoever came up with Labor Day understood that it is important to take time to rest and recharge, and to schedule a national holiday right in the middle of July 4th and Thanksgiving so that people didn’t go four months without a day off of work. Genius right? I know for me, this is a great weekend to catch up on much needed rest and relaxation!
As we rest and recharge this weekend, let us give thanks to the Lord. We should celebrate the amazing things that we have done. We get up early each and every day and work our tails off putting food on our tables and providing for our families. And collectively, through all of our hard work and the work of our ancestors, we have built this great country. Yes together, we have much to be proud of. Let us rest and recharge! Let us praise God for this much needed day of rest!
And as we are sitting there by the BBQ grill, or by the pool, or by the lake, ocean, or river, let us not forget to celebrate the work of God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us praise God for our very lives, and God’s amazing creation. For His very creation includes the heaven and the earth and all that is in it. His work includes all of us, created from dust, in His very image, with His very breath blown into our lungs. “For in Him our joy is complete. Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.” – (Psalm 111:2). Happy Labor Day! May you be filled with rest and peace, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word this morning, and every morning. Let us rest and recharge today, and be filled with all of your goodness. Make our thoughts clear and our bodies strong. Let your Holy Spirit flow through us Lord, like a stream that refreshes us and those all around us. Make your purpose clear, and our actions aligned. Give us peace and rest, power and strength, wisdom and understanding, love and hope, and all good things that come through You. Help us to know that You are with us always Lord, as we enjoy your beautiful creation, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Image courtesy of: heraldpost
Photo By heraldpost