This year is really going by very fast. Next week, on Monday, we celebrate the Labor Day Holiday. With that in mind I would like to talk a little about this holiday.
According to Wikipedia, Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. The three-day weekend it falls on is called Labor Day Weekend.
Some Fun Facts about Labor Day…
40% — of U.S. workers belonged to a labor union in the 1950s (that dropped to 10.7% now)
1894 — Congress officially makes Labor Day a federal holiday
53% — of Americans planning travel Labor Day weekend will do so by car
56% — of Americans plan to barbecue over Labor Day Weekend
818 — hot dogs are eaten every second from Memorial Day to Labor Day
$864 — Is the average kid’s back-to-school expenses
$61,937 — Is Median U.S. household income
55% – of Americans don’t use all of their paid time off.
768 million — Is the total number of unused vacation days in the U.S.
80% — Americans who would take time off if their boss were more supportive
28 million – Americans don’t get paid vacations or holidays.
Much like Memorial Day, which marks the traditional beginning of summer, Labor Day generally signifies that the season has ended — even though the calendar says otherwise. Holiday sales, barbecues and travel tend to rule the day, while children finally adjust to the harsh reality of “back-to-school” season.
As far as U.S. sports are concerned, Labor Day weekend signals that baseball’s pennant races have entered their final stretch, and tennis fans get an extra day to watch the season’s last Grand Slam event — the U.S. Open in New York City. NFL regular-season games typically begin following Labor Day.
These are some interesting facts and traditions about Labor Day. Let’s take a look at what the Bible tells us about Labor or work.
Colossians 3:23-24 tells us – And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
In Exodus 20:9-10 – Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work…
Matthew 5:16 tells us, – Let your light so shine before men,that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
David tells us in Psalm 128:2 – When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
To summarize the above Bible verses, to be truly happy, in whatever you do… do it as you were doing it for God. This is a great witness and will show the light of God in your life to others in this world. Jesus promises us to make our burden (work) light IF you take His yoke and learn from Him. Then you will get the rest you desire.
In closing, please, take a look at your life. Are you working for God or self? When you work for God, in all things, (including your job) you will be surprised what will happen. Don’t let Satan steal it from you by telling you it will not change anything.
So… are you doing the things for God or for self? If self, it’s time to start working for God. First thing you need to have a relationship with Him. So, how’s your relationship? Maybe you never had a relationship with God, or maybe you have lost your fellowship with Him. There’s no better time than the present to get a relationship with God or to renew your relationship with Him. Please just take a moment right now and dedicate yourself to Christ Our Savior.
If God is not the top priority in your life, ask him today to take control of your heart. It’s easy and free. All you need to do is ask the Lord to come into your life. Please… if you don’t know Christ or have fallen away, please pray… Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and rose again. Tell God you are sorry and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
I hope you have a Blessed, Safe and Happy Labor Day Holiday!!!
If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
May God Bless you! I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place where we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
