Labor Day...A Day of Rest!

For over 100 years Labor Day has been a’ workingmen's holiday"


Though the holiday is called Labor Day it is a day to rest, relax, and not work or labor. And since, Labor Day is always observed on the first Monday of the month of September, it affords us a long weekend.

For all --a break between summer and fall. For many-- one last vacation to take before schools begin their fall session. For some—a day to catch up on—what?!—work!

No matter the plans or lack of plans on this day, it has been designated as a day to rest from your labor.

R & R…i.e. rest and relaxation has a variety of manifestations. For some It could be sleeping , or relaxing poolside, For others picnicking, gardening, bike riding, reading , boating, or golfing, etc…………….. Resting includes any activity that does not imply work, but instead leisure.

I don’t know about you but I need breaks throughout my ‘work days’..to refresh…and to refuel. Even, my ‘workaholic- husband eventually reaches a point when he needs to put aside his work and relax, though not as frequently as I do. David loves what he does, so he does what he loves, almost 24/7! However, as much as he works & as hard as he works, he also plays hard. R & R for him is spending time with family or playing with our grand-doggy! Though, his ultimate relaxation is just watching movies, especially with his sons.

‘Rest’ is described in the dictionary as to’ stop working or moving in order to relax or recover strength.’ Therefore, rest is essential for our bodies. And rest does not just imply sleep, though it is recommended that our bodies need at least 8 hours of sleep a day to function at its optimum. Even, our muscles need physical rest between work outs to build strength.

However, we don’t have to be doing physical labor to tire. Our minds also need to relax to be refreshed as situations and circumstances of ‘just living’ life can drain us our energy. In addition, worrying can exhaust us emotionally.

We all just need to take a break. Chill out. Slow down…come to a full stop…let our body’s engine idle.

And what better day to be reminded to enjoy some R & R…than on Labor Day aka a day of relaxation.

We are in great company when we take a rest …’He rested from all the work of creating that He had done.’ (Genesis chapter2:verse3b)

And the same God that rested…encourages us to rest, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Physical rest: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28a)

Emotional Rest: ‘Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you.’(1 Peter 5:7)

Spiritual Rest: ‘Take my yoke upon you…and you will find rest for your souls.’(Matthew 11:29)

Take the time to enjoy your day of non-labor. Rest and relax! Refresh & Refuel!

Wendy’s Witz-dom:

If we do not get the rest we need, we will find ourselves feeling resentment in our work, home life and relationships. So remove the extras and just rest so that resentment doesn’t build up.

                                 RES entmen T.

God’s Wisdom:

‘…I will give you rest.’ (Matthew11:28c)

©WitzendWritings

*All bible verses are from the New International Version of the Bible.