Labor Day...

Did you ever wonder about the origin of Labor Day? The celebration of America's work force is over one hundred and twenty years old! The first parade was held in New York City in 1882 when ten thousand workers took an unpaid day-off to march from city hall to Union Station to not only honor workers but also to let their voices be heard about issues in the work place. Although several other states would hold parades during the next twelve years, it wasn't until 1894 that Congress actually declared that the first Monday in September would be a holiday.

It's tough to imagine the conditions workers suffered in the 1800's... 12 hour work days, children in 'sweat shops', low wages. While we like to think all that is in the past, the sad fact is that conditions like these still exist in many third world countries today.

We have much to be grateful for in America, yet I would venture to say that as a whole, we are mostly ungrateful.

Mostly, we complain about our workplaces, employers, co-workers, vacation hours, salaries - the list goes on.

Perhaps this year, in today's economy, more of us will take the time to be thankful for having a job at all.

God wants all people to eat and drink and be happy in their work, which are gifts from God. Eccl. 3:13 (NCV)

Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Ps 128:1-2 (NCV)

All for Him,

Missy