This Monday we observe Labor Day...a time to give God thanks for work and thanks for those who work faithfully and consistently to make this country and the world a better place in which to live.     Let us also this Labor Day be mindful of those who are without work - those amidst the unemployed and underemployed ranks.   We also pray that God will lend them strength and encouragement as they are in this waiting period of their life and living and that appropriate employment doors may open in a timely manner.

As scripture reminds us, work is a blessing, not a curse.    Even though "work" is a four-letter word it is not at all a bad word or concept.   In fact, contrary to some persons' thinking, work did not arrive on the human scene after the fall of humanity.   Rather, work was a part of the divine blessing and assignment from the beginning:   "God blessed them and told them, 'Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it......tend the garden...'".  Work, as God assigned it and designed it is meaningful, purposeful work.   It is activity that responds positively to God's calling.  In fact, the word "vocation" (a term we may also use appropriately for work) means "with voice" or "a calling."     In this manner, work or vocation is that which God has called us to and equipped us for so that God's will may be done on earth as it is in heaven!   What a difference ,when we see work as vocation - - as God's calling.    In Ephesians we read these words concerning our work:    "Work hard, but not just to please your employers when they are watching.    As servants of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.  Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.   Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do....." (Ephesians 6:6-8).

Let us give thanks on this Labor Day for all who work and may we recommit ourselves to work with  faithfulness, enthusiasm and above all a sense of responding to God's calling (vocation).    Perhaps the following prayer written by Reinhold Niebuhr might be our's at this season and time:
PRAYER:    O God, you have bound us together in this life.   Give us grace to understand how our lives depend on the courage, the industry, the honesty, and the integrity of all who labor.   May we be mindful of their needs, grateful for their faithfulness, and faithful in our responsibilities to them; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.