The Last Holiday of Summer

It is sad that the last holiday of summer, Labor Day, has arrived. Newsweek shares that, "According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the holiday is “a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.” Labor Day is a “yearly national tribute” to the “contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and wellbeing of our country.”"

The national holiday unfortunately doesn't help those whose jobs are 24/7. Our doctors and nurses, caregivers, cooks and cleaners keep working right through the holiday so others receive the care they need. And our demanding society keeps many stores, hotels and restaurants open on holidays so others have access to their 'wants' for the day. Thank you to all of you who are working today, by choice or by force. Hopefully you will be compensated well for your time and you will receive another day off as a substitution.

God knows we need time to rest. He created Sundays as a day of rest.

"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done," (Genesis 2:2-3 NIV).

God established a day of rest because we all need it. Our minds and bodies need a time of refreshment and calm to restore our strength and revive us for the work we are created to do. Take time today to let go of the pressures of your world. Schedule time for a nap. Sit in a chair and observe nature. Savor the taste of a cold glass of tea or a hot cup of coffee. Allow the sunshine to warm your skin. Talk to God about your concerns, unload them at His feet and walk away, free of the burdens. Watch the clouds move across the sky. If not today, plan another day to pause and rest.

Loving God, I ask you to touch each reader today with Your peace and grace. Fill their day with blessings. Hear their prayers and lighten their heavy load. Thank you for sending your Perfect Son, Jesus, to save us from the punishment we deserve for our sins. Continue to help us be more like Him as we walk with You each day. Amen.