Labor Day

Federally legislated after its first celebration in 1882, Labor Day seems to have strayed far from course, not much celebrated for its original intent of protecting the laborers. However, I've never been a member of a labor union, so perhaps it is still alive and well in those brotherhoods.

Most of the weekend's activities center around recreation and rest. In our local newspaper, I found one article touting the *true* meaning of Labor Day.

From Wikipedia:

The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families.

I dont think I've ever attended a Labor Day Parade. Have you?

I will admit to attending a political rally around this time of year (in my youth), but now I fall clearly into the camp that this holiday represents the end-of-the-summer-beginning-of-football-season camp.


Fashion-wise, it is an important day, too.

No more white shoes!

I switched to these!









However, there are others who are trying to capture attention by renaming the day to Vocation Day.

Here's a link to Gene Veith's proposal, which is really a thinly-veiled advertisement for his book, God at Work. I like his opinions, but dont own many of his books.

Blogging buddy, Cindy, created an interesting discussion about Motherhood and Vocation, which I hope she will continue because she raised some good questions. We workers at home clearly have the best job of all, enjoying the rewards of the most important career known to man.

That's why it is so important to know who we are and our nature.

I think an integral part of seeing myself (my vocation AND my avocation) accurately must include an understanding of how others view me and how I fit into the overall situation (society).

So, today I'm starting with this Valley of Vision prayer entitled Vocation. It's helping me be faithful.



Now it's time to fix a couple of side dishes for tonight's dinner of BBQ ribs.



How are you marking this special day?