Dear friends,
Today is Labor Day. May it be a happy and restful one. May we remember to give thanks to God for all who work, a prayer for those seeking work, and a thought of inspiration for those who are underemployed. Our United Methodist Hymnal has a prayer suited for today (UMH 409) "For Grace to Labor" by Thomas More, 16th Century: "The things, good Lord, that we pray for, give us the grace to labor for. Amen."
Though started by a labor union in New York, the day has come to mean a day of reflection on those who work. Our country was built by those who worked hard at making it what it is (or was), and we thank God that God is not finished with us yet and we trust that it is in God in whom we truly trust for today and tomorrow. Given all that we hear and fear, we rise above it all in our hope rooted strongly and deeply in our trust in God.
We also reflect on our work. Though you may be retired, you're probably working harder than ever or at least that is what we hear from most of those who are. If you have today off, reflect on what you have been called to do in your present setting or job. Last weekend during free time among pastors, we shared stories of now retired ministers and the work that some put in. I heard of one now retired pastor who worked so much, he had three suits and changes of clothes in his office. Many were the ones who had weddings with him that knew that he would shower in the church building, dress and do either the rehearsal or wedding. This was a pastor who, like most of us who started as solo pastors in small churches, learn to do everything. "Old habits die hard," is true in his case. And we compared it to a generational difference between some other pastors that seek to do as little as possible or do things differently from what could be called established ways. Those who either were children of blue collar, 8-to-5 (or longer) work houses, or who worked blue collar jobs prior to responding to our into ministry, know and follow a pattern of long, hard work. And there are those who say, "Take care of yourself." That is great advice but some have followed that a little too much, avoiding most things in the name of care. But let's look at Jesus. His life could be a case for both types of ministry: Jesus worked long and hard hours, resting only when He prayed. Some would remind us that Jesus was both the son of a carpenter and some believe, a carpenter himself while awaiting the start of His ministry. Others would say there were some times that Jesus just gave the word for the work or sign to be done and it was done. The common theme of Jesus' work was touch. Jesus was out and about in the midst of human suffering and need. Jesus touched those that never were touched. Jesus touched the untouchable, including a leper. Jesus ate with those whom society considered too filthy for any type of interaction, let alone fellowship. Our ministry as believer should be modeled after Jesus. Our touch and contact with all people should be one of love and hope.
May it be so!
PRAYER: Loving God, while we have been reading and reflecting on these words, You have been at work in this world and in my life. May this day remind me of how blessed I am and what I still need to be doing. Lord, You also know of those who seek a way to provide for their families so, remind me that these people need my love and understanding. Lord, be with those who can create jobs and let it be so. Lord, be with those who believe that some jobs need to go other places in the name of the bottom line, but especially bless the ones who have lost their jobs because of such actions. May we never lose faith in You and Your economy. Give us patience. Give us peace. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
