What Labor Day Means to Me

Well, yesterday was Labor Day and I enjoyed the holiday with my husband and pups and got new tires on my car.  I know, fun right?  I also was able to have a day where I slowed down from the usually busy routine and schedule to just enjoy the day as it unfolded.  I got to thinking about labor, working, mission, sacrifice, futures, plans and the holiday itself.  How hard it must be for the millions of Americans to celebrate a holiday that rewards and honors workers when so many don’t have work.  Or how bittersweet a holiday like that is for the millions more that are underemployed or working several jobs to “make it”.  Or how much of a struggle it is for those that hate what they do/where they work but have to just to pay bills.  For the first time I really pondered about this holiday that I for so long loved simply because it was a day off of school and as I aged, work.  It was a party, a celebration of the end of summer, but frankly it held not much more meaning than that.  But yesterday, my thoughts lead me to a different place…

…We all labor in different ways.  I bet if you asked 10 different people what they think of when they hear the word labor you’d get 10 different answers.   Heck, when I think of what it means to me, I might give several different answers myself.  Because to labor means so many different things. 

Lately, when I hear or consider the term labor, I immediately think of discipline and a quote from scripture that essentially calls those to be disciplined for the moment so they can be rewarded with a peaceful righteousness.  That is a good description for me and how I view working toward something—you have to stay focused and on point so you can enjoy the accomplishment when the goal has been attained.    

And last week one of oldest friends had her first baby.  She labored.  And, a beautiful gift came from it as little Aubrey entered the world.    

And, then my thoughts go to another dear friend who took a leap to start her own business to create a new and exciting chapter for herself despite worries and risk.  She kept her faith and followed that dream in her heart.       

Labor Day.  What an interesting and thought-provoking holiday.  To me, Labor Day is truly a celebration.  A celebration that I am content in laboring for something of meaning, endeavoring for something, creating something more; birthing a new chapter.  No matter the personal situation, we are all working toward something, for something, even if the end is not always so clear.  So I really believe that Labor Day is Gratitude & Hope Day.  Gratitude for our blessings and Hope for what and where our endeavors are taking us.  Even if unclear, having hope to go on, to embrace life, to risk and to create…for now and the future.    

I’d be curious what Labor Day means to you.  If you feel so inclined, please share your thoughts.  I am always so inspired by the sharing of others thoughts/opinions/experiences.