Labor Day

Today, we celebrate Labor Day in the United States.  We celebrate the women and men who campaigned tirelessly for workers’ rights in the labor movement of the late 19th century. Their hard-fought wins are the reason for many of the rights we enjoy and take for granted today, such as a 40-hour work week, safe work conditions, paid time off, and sick leave. Those workers saw that there could be no freedom and liberty in this country without economic freedom for the working class. 

This week also marks the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for jobs and freedom and is best remembered for Martin Luther King’s ” I Have A Dream” speech. Segregation was still legal despite the melting pot of individuals this country was supposed to be. I look back at history and see that despite their differences, they were united, working together towards a common goal.

Our world is more fractured, it seems, with so many people fighting for their beliefs, with each person coming from what I’m sure they believe is the best. This is where personal freedom goes awry and the evil forces step in, pitting people against one another. 

As Christians, we have a dream, one where we become new through Christ where we find treasure within “earthen vessels”. Where God draws us near, where we participate with grace, willing the good of others with mercy and compassion. We are called to bring our best selves to the world where our ego is under the authority of the divine will. We become new in love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, faith, gentleness, and self control. (Galatians 5:22) When we live this dream, the divine in each of us sees the divine in others. 

Thank you, Lord, for calling us to live Your dream.