The first Monday in September, Labor Day. It’s the federal holiday that honors the contributions of American workers to the growth, strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.

For my many years in the work force, I looked forward to this long weekend at the end of the summer. It was the last hurrah before the start of school; time to picnic, swim, and enjoy our friends and family. I confess we didn’t spend much time pondering the origins of the holiday.

Now as a retiree in Florida, long weekends are relatively meaningless. Our life consists of one long weekend. It’s still too hot for the outdoor picnics we used to enjoy. And as for the start of school, well the kids already headed back to their classrooms in mid-August. I suspect Labor Day could slip by with nary a nod.

Yet it is worth a look at the value of our labors. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the LORD as a reward. It is the LORD Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

Many of us are no longer employed for a paycheck. (Age does have its privileges.) But, neither are we idle. We are employed in the service we provide to each other and in the volunteer opportunities that call out for help. We are employed in the matter of kindness; a helping hand to our neighbor, a smile to a stranger. We too can follow Paul’s directions: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.”

And when our labor is done, the Lord invites us to rest. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Judy