[reprinted from September 6, 2010]
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.†  Matthew 11:28-30 (WEB)
Every year on this day, I think of my father. He worked very hard in his life. He grew up on a farm. I am not sure there is harder work than that which is demanded of a family 24/7, 365 days out of the year. Livestock do not understand a 5 day work week and fields do not thrive on 8 hour days. After leaving the farm, he worked in a shoe factory, a local gas station, and a trucking company both on the dock and as a driver. Both of his children went to college which was not provided to either him or my mother.
Labor Day is holiday for a few people. For many, it is a regular work day. This Scripture is for all of us. Whether we labor as my father did or we are blessed to have some holidays, all of us labor and carry burdens that are not meant to break our backs or our spirits. Jesus wants to give us rest that is better than anything from mattresses made from fancy foam or magic numbers!
Whether you are working today at your job or working at home or enjoying a holiday, take time to give God thanks for His provision and trust Him for blessings to come. Rest your concerns and worries on His shoulders because He loves you so very much.
At the Cross written and sung by Brian Doerksen
