Rest September 2, 2024
September 2, 2024
Rest
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
I find it a fitting time to reflect again on the importance of rest in our lives today, Labor Day. This is a day celebrated on the first Monday in September. This holiday originated in the late 19th century to honor the contributions of American workers. The first Labor Day was celebrated in 1882 in New York City, organized by a Labor Union. On this day 10, 000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square, advocating for better working conditions and fair treatment. This was considered the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history.
The genesis of Labor Day reminds us of the value of work and the importance of rest. The original push was for an eight-hour workday, eight hours of recreation, and eight hours of rest, which emphasized the importance of work life balance.
In the creation narrative, God rested on the seventh day after six days of creation. This divine rest sets a precedent for us. Rest is not merely the absence of work; it is a time to rejuvenate, reflect, and reconnect with God, with friends and family.
This Labor Day weekend I hope you have had the opportunity to embrace the gift of rest. If you have not, or even if you have, here are suggestions to help with keeping a healthy work/volunteer/life balance.
Pause, Reflect, and Connect
Take time to reflect on the past months. What has God been teaching you? How have you seen God’s hand at work in your life? Use this time to strengthen your relationships. Share meals, have meaningful conversations, and enjoy other’s company.
Dedicate moments for prayer, reading Scripture, and simply being in God’s presence, to let God’s peace fill your heart and mind. Take a walk, sit in a local park, or simply enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Let nature remind you of God’s creativity and care.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for the gift of rest. As we celebrate Labor Day, help us to find true rest in you. Teach us to balance our work, our volunteer obligations, and rest, following your example. May today be the beginning time of renewal for mind, body, and spirit. Amen.
Together,
we are held,
in Christ’s love.
Pastor Kellie Sanford