Greg's Weekly Word: "labor"
I hope everyone had a good long weekend. (Although I do find it interesting that we get a day off from work for Labor Day.)
The holiday, however, was first established to honor the labor movement, and recognize the contributions of laborers to the development of the United States.
And it is a good opportunity for us to remember those who still toil in unsafe or oppressive working conditions, whether in the US or around the world. While we enjoy the day off, maybe we can also remember so many in our nation who work for less than a living wage - the working poor who labor long hours and are still trapped in cycles of poverty. And perhaps we can reflect on our labors, too.
Of course, our work is not limited only to our jobs. But this holiday week can provide us an opportunity to ask what it is we are laboring for.
Are we simply "working for the weekend"? To pay the bills? Do we find meaning in our work? Can we?
And what about our labors outside of our jobs - for our families and friends...for the church...for the faith we live out...in all we do?
Of course, labor can also refer to the process (and work!) of giving birth. So perhaps we can ask - in all of our work, in every task - "What is it we giving birth to?" Perhaps - in all we do - we can ask how we might bring new life into the world, following faithfully in the Way of Jesus. And if we do, then no matter what else we do, our labors of life and love will always be worth it.
Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Col 15:58)
- GJD