Labor Day
By Susan Klein
"Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work..."
By Susan Klein
"Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work..."
Exodus 20:9, 10a (NIV)
Labor Day, the first Monday in
September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social
and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national
tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and
well-being of our country. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on
Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of
the Central Labor Union. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as
the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar
organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a
"workingmen's holiday" on that date. (1)
Much debate exists over who actually “created” this national holiday. It seems to have stemmed from a downturn in the economy, much like today. As the economy dipped, travel and tourism were among the first to suffer, as is often the case. Workers at a train car company had their salaries cut to make up for the company’s losses. A rail strike ensued, and spread like wildfire across the country. President Grover Cleveland stepped in to put an end to the strike by force of U.S. Marshals and armed troops. It didn’t end well for some. In an effort to appease a wounded nation, a holiday was declared in honor of the “working man.” A large parade down the streets of New York marked the first Labor Day celebration.
In Scriptures, God gave us our first “Labor Day” holiday of sorts. It was called “The Sabbath.” It was the gift of a full day of no work, given to the hard-working laborers to ensure they had time for R&R. Just as God rested on the seventh day of creation, so He desires for us to rest from our labors. He knows we need a time to recharge our batteries and be productive once again. He also knows we need a time of spiritual renewal to get us through the barrage of attacks that come our way during the week.
Whether you receive a salary for your work, or you volunteer your services, take some time this week to celebrate, to rest, and to enjoy the One who has gifted us with the opportunity to work and the ability to rest.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Consider sending a note of appreciation to someone you know who labors diligently.
2. Make a habit of setting time aside to rest from your labors and be renewed.
FURTHER READING:
Colossians 3:23-24; Mark 6:31
Much debate exists over who actually “created” this national holiday. It seems to have stemmed from a downturn in the economy, much like today. As the economy dipped, travel and tourism were among the first to suffer, as is often the case. Workers at a train car company had their salaries cut to make up for the company’s losses. A rail strike ensued, and spread like wildfire across the country. President Grover Cleveland stepped in to put an end to the strike by force of U.S. Marshals and armed troops. It didn’t end well for some. In an effort to appease a wounded nation, a holiday was declared in honor of the “working man.” A large parade down the streets of New York marked the first Labor Day celebration.
In Scriptures, God gave us our first “Labor Day” holiday of sorts. It was called “The Sabbath.” It was the gift of a full day of no work, given to the hard-working laborers to ensure they had time for R&R. Just as God rested on the seventh day of creation, so He desires for us to rest from our labors. He knows we need a time to recharge our batteries and be productive once again. He also knows we need a time of spiritual renewal to get us through the barrage of attacks that come our way during the week.
Whether you receive a salary for your work, or you volunteer your services, take some time this week to celebrate, to rest, and to enjoy the One who has gifted us with the opportunity to work and the ability to rest.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Consider sending a note of appreciation to someone you know who labors diligently.
2. Make a habit of setting time aside to rest from your labors and be renewed.
FURTHER READING:
Colossians 3:23-24; Mark 6:31
Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood and also co-leads an on-site small group.
(1) U.S. Dept. of Labor, www.dol.gov
