Reflections on Labor Day.

Happy Labor Day, friends! As Labor Day comes around each year, it feels like the final “hurrah” of summer and all that comes with it. Quality time with family and friends, iced tea and hamburgers fresh off the grill, tank tops and sun tans. I am thankful that we have a holiday set aside to celebrate the sweetness of summer one last time.

But Labor Day is more than just a final ode to summertime joys. In short, Labor Day is a time to honor workers and the contributions they have made to society. America would be a very different place today without the driven, hard-working, and visionary people of years past in the workplace.

This Labor Day, I have also been reflecting on what it means to “labor” – having meaningful work to do and goals to accomplish gives a special drive to life. Having tasks set before us and a “field to labor in” truly are gifts, even though it is easy to forget this when we get caught up in the daily grind. But the work we do contributes so much to our identity. It pushes us, grows us, and shapes us in a unique way that few other things can. It requires us to find creative solutions, to stretch our thinking, to set goals, and to pour energy into something outside of ourselves. “Laboring” is a beautiful part of the human experience, and one that should be embraced and celebrated. I want to remember this, not only on this Labor Day, but also in the cycle of work life all year round. What a privilege to have work to do, and to love doing it. What a privilege it is to “unlock new doors” alongside you! 

I hope this Labor Day brings you rest and joy as you celebrate all the goodness of summer with those you love. And I hope it leaves you excited and ready to embrace “labor” after the long weekend as well. 🙂