HONORING LABOR DAY!

Many of us don’t think about Labor Day as a typical holiday because we aren’t really sure what there is to celebrate except for an extra day off work! It all began in the 1800s when working conditions were extremely harsh. Many Americans worked 12 hour days, seven days a week in unsafe factories, mills and mines, and that included children! Labor Unions were formed and pushed for better wages, working conditions, and on September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off their jobs to march in New York City in the “first” Labor Day parade. Then there was the Pullman Strike, a nationwide railroad strike that severely disrupted rail traffic across the U.S., which also marked a major turning point in U.S. labor law. Following the Pullman Strike in 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation on June 28, 1894 making Labor Day an official federal holiday to mend relations with workers. Labor Day commemorates major reforms like the 40 hour workweek, weekends, minimum wage and restrictions on child labor. Although their are many who put in those extra hours at their jobs for various reasons, and not all job sites are ideal, but we are far better than working conditions once were. We also have choices as far as finding a variety of other jobs, which at one time was not so easy to come by. So enjoy your holiday weekend, you deserve it and try to remember, or think about, how far we have come and the opportunities that are out there. Remember too, God worked, but rested on the seventh day. He gives us that opportunity as well, but Labor Day, He wants us to pause, honor the daily work we have been given and receive the rest that He has provided.

Psalm 128:2
You will eat the fruit of you labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we give thanks for this day of rest. May we be strengthened and renewed from a day of rest and may it reflect in whatever our jobs may be and bring glory and honor to you. May we also give thanks and remember those who worked so tirelessly before us and who paved the way for us. In Your precious name we pray. Amen