Labor Day

It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage that we move on to better things. (Theodore Roosevelt, 26th US president)

Today we celebrate labor, and as Roosevelt suggests, it is an essential element in achieving “better things.” Note the other factors he mentions: “painful effort, grim energy, resolute courage.” Nothing of value is accomplished without hard, intentional work. As we honor all the laborers who have contributed to our well being, we should put our hands to work as well.

I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. . . People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. (Ecclesiastes 2:10; 3:13)