This weekend is Labor Day weekend; the transition from summer to fall. As kids, we remember that Labor Day signified our return to school from our summer vacation. As adults, we put away our white slacks and shoes and prepare the grill for that last barbecue of the season. It is a looked-forward-to three-day weekend from our chores or work, planning that last picnic or trek to the beach.
Labor Day originated in 1882 as a movement to recognize the efforts of the average working man. Although there is some discrepancy as to who gets credit for initiating the holiday, it was the Central Labor Union that held the first celebration on September 5, 1882, in New York City. Thus, it was designated that the first Monday in September would be the official observation day, and became an official holiday under a law signed by President Grover Cleveland.
Labor Day was originally celebrated by parades and demonstrations and rallies of workers banding together but today, it is celebrated by family barbecues, major department store sales, and the joy of a three-day weekend. It is celebrated for workers’ contributions throughout America and Canada. Examples of accomplishments of the labor union movement include the eight hour work day, 2-day weekends, minimum wage, and decent working conditions. This is a far cry from the 58-hour week of old, although many people still work those hours!
While the United States, Canada and Bermuda celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday of September, most other countries celebrate it on May 1, known as May Day or International Workers’ Day. Eighty-two countries celebrate International Worker’s Day on May 1st. In Australia, it is celebrated, depending on which territories, on the first Monday in May or the first Monday in October. China and Greece celebrate the first day in May and in Germany, May 2nd. It is a tribute to workers and industrial prosperity and recognized around the world.
Labor Day is a good day to reflect on the past summer and the advancing fall. Since it’s the time in between these two seasons and a break from work, it’s beneficial to just kick off your shoes and relax. We work hard all year and this day of celebrating and recognizing those efforts and the mantra of the day is R-e-s-t.
Rest is very important to our wellness and health. If you don’t get enough rest, you compromise your immune system and open the door to illness and disease. As important as work is to our lives, rest is imperative, too. God directs us to rest in His Book of Guidance. It is even stated in Genesis, that He rested. Notwithstanding controversy on how long a day is in the Bible, according to Genesis, God created the universe in six days and rested on the seventh. "On the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. God blessed the seventh day, and made it holy, because he rested in it from all his work which he had created and made." Thus, the Sabbath day; the anointed day of rest. Genesis 2:2-3
In light of God’s actions, it makes perfect sense that our bodies and minds require rest after periods of hard work; we are created in His image. It is for our own good that God gave us His example of resting and even commanded us to rest. God wants us to rest so we’ll be refreshed.
‘Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.’ Exodus 34:21
‘It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for he gives sleep to his loved ones.’ Psalm 127.2
Jesus gave us many examples of our need for rest. When the Twelve disciples returned after Jesus had sent them out to preach, there were so many people coming and going that they didn’t even have time to eat. Jesus told them to go away and rest for a while:
"You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile." ‘For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. They went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.’ Mark 6:31-32
Jesus also took time to rest and refresh Himself. Various times during His ministry, Jesus would try to go away to a secluded place or the desert to take rest. But because the people heard of His teachings and miracles, He could not escape the crowds. Here’s just one example: "From there he arose, and went away into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. He entered into a house, and didn’t want anyone to know it, but he couldn’t escape notice." Mark 7:24
This weekend, be kind to yourself. Put work in the backseat and enjoy your family, loved ones and friends. Refresh yourself. When the weekend is over, you will be ready to pick up your work again. Your rest will give you added focus and energy. if you find that it is hard for you to get into the ‘relaxation mode’, listen to what Jesus tells us:
"Come to Me all who labor and are heavy laden AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I’m gently and lowly in heart, AND YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" Matthew 11:28-30
Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend.
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Ref: The Bible
http://www.professorshouse.com/family/holidays/why-celebrate-labor-day.aspx
