Labor Day

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17).

Over a century ago, a man from a carpentry guild encouraged Americans to honor labor with a holiday. Since the late 1800’s, our nation has celebrated its work by laying it aside for a single day. Beach visits, barbecues, and bargains rally the hordes to seize their day off.

I don’t need a profound reason to embrace a holiday, do you? In fact, I scan my calendar to mark each one, counting the weeks I’ll have to wait between them. If I can just make it through the next two weeks, I get to enjoy that weekend away… then there’s only six weeks until the next event…then how much longer until Thanksgiving and Black Friday will I have to wait?

If I subtracted moments of anticipation from my life, I’d have little left. Mid-stride, I’m planning how many steps it’ll take to get to a resting place, or even the journey’s end. While a penchant for holidays causes no harm, suspending my joy until they arrive robs me of life.

Living everyday moments as anointed by God’s presence will give my life back. Another Carpenter establishes the work of my hands, a greater thing to celebrate than a day without duties. His favor pours vitality into my spirit, mind, and heart with greater power than the extra hours of rest I look forward to enjoying.

When I stand before the Lord to account for the time He entrusted to me, I wonder if He might ask, “About your life, Tina…were you there?”

How would  you respond if He asked you such a question?