Yesterday was Labor Day. It was established as a way to honor the working employee (meaning, not management) with a paid day of rest. It’s nice and I am happy we still do it. But, at another level, I think the day and what it stands for has gotten lost, being replaced with yet another day where the focus is simply on ease.
We started classes last week. It was great to be back in the classroom. So far, the students seem eager to engage in the work.
The biggest challenge I face each year though is helping students understand basic learning concepts that they should know, but don’t. It’s not their fault though; they are merely products of the culture. And that culture no longer teaches core learning concepts such as attendance, taking notes or reading.
We also no longer value putting diligent effort into all phases of life. Oh sure, we do see hard work around us. There are people in many jobs or industries who put their 100% into it. You may be that person where you work. But the message of culture isn’t to value the hard work; it is to value NOT working.
It’s to the point that we perhaps don’t need a Labor Day to give people a day to rest, but perhaps a “Rest Day” where everyone actually goes to work to give 100%. At the very least, it would be good to see Labor Day return to a celebration of hard work…and an eagerness to then note that on the Tuesday that follows, we will head back into our Labors with good spirit.
Jesus talked about this some. In his story about the man who had done well in his business, to the point that the man made plans for retirement, Jesus raises the point that suggests our work in life is NOT about finding a path to retirement. The man says, after realizing that his retirement portfolio was going to really increase economically, “And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
Jesus then comments ““But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Of course, Jesus focus is on the comparison of a focus on wealth versus a focus on God, but I think its also fair to note what drew God’s attention. Not just that he was rich…in fact, the issue isn’t being rich. The critique was on seeking ease through storing up his earthly wealth.
As you head into the fall, after Labor Day, put your best work forward. Sure, I hope you achieve success in what you do. But don’t make your focus somehow a ceasing from labors, only on rest, but on engaging the work of your life giving your all.