“Find something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” ~ Harvey Mackay
Many people do not know what Labor Day is all about. It has gone through a circuitous history beginning in the late 1880’s. It began more as a means to demonstrate against unfair labor practices; i.e., long hours, low wages, unsafe work environments. It has morphed in a public holiday in honor of working people. In the United States and Canada, it is celebrated on the first Monday in September. In many other countries, it is celebrated on May 1st.
A job is something that all people long to hold. Their work provides for themselves and their families. Their labor provides for some “extras” as well, such as vacations. However, some go to work every day dreading the task and merely looking forward to the time that they clock out in order to go back home. Their hearts are not in their job and they return home frustrated and irritable.
Still others cannot wait to go to work. They have the time of their lives while there and are highly productive. They look forward to seeing their co-workers, working together with them, and producing for their place of employment. They go home energized because of the tasks they have completed and are not fatigued at all.
The manner in which we view our labors makes all the difference in the world. If we dread work, we cannot put our whole hearts into what we are doing. If we look forward to doing our job, we can never give enough and willingly pour ourselves into what we are doing.
As it is with our work, so, too, it is with our faith. There are some who approach the practices of their faith with dread. They are not excited at all about going to Mass. They have no ambition and have to be reminded to pray. They are reluctant to volunteer their time and talent for good causes and, when they do, feel embarrassed and out of place. It is not surprising that they say that they get nothing out of their faith. After all, they are not putting anything into their faith.
There are those, on the other hand, who worship willingly, who pray gladly, and who give of themselves wholeheartedly. As they do, they find themselves being renewed and that leads them to give even more time to God and service to neighbor. “Find something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” If we love God, worship is not work. It is an act of joy. If we love God, service is not work. It is an extension of our love for God.
As you enjoy the holiday today and rest from your labor, remember never to rest from God. He is our strength and our joy!
FAITH ACTION: Pray for all those who search for employment that they may gain the dignity of labor.