My dad retired at 65. He said it was time. A funny thing happened during his retirement, he didn’t stop working! He continued working at the church, even increasing the time he spent. It wouldn’t have been a church gathering if he didn’t cook the fried chicken. He continued to serve in various capacities. As for outside the church, Dad found ways to be involved. He & my mom worked as volunteers in the governor’s office. He served a long stint as a member of the Travis County grand jury. And, there were many other areas of involvement.
Work, I believe, too often is taken for granted. At times we relish it, while at other times it seems like drudgery. Some may see it as a mill stone around their neck. Others call it the “daily grind.” In some organizations, clock-watchers abound. Some work is meaningful, while a lot of work brings little or no meaning at all. And then there are those who would do anything to work but can’t find a job. They would settle for the most menial work if they could find it.
Tomorrow is Labor Day. It first was established in 1887 to recognize organized labor and the role it played in bringing about safer working conditions, an end to child labor, equal opportunities at employment, and so much more. The ability to work and to earn a decent living always has been a part of the work ethic. The Methodist Church often could be found supporting such efforts. The greater church long has been at the forefront of many movements toward equality, be it fighting hunger or educational opportunities for all people.
As we celebrate tomorrow, each of us should give thanks for the ability we have to work in whatever capacity that may be. Also, pray for those unable to work and what that means to both them and their families. And, remember the work we’re not doing or did, and the people with whom we shared in those efforts. Hopefully it is a time when fondly we can remember our employment either as employer or employee, productive or not, meaningful or menial.
I thank God for the five jobs (two while in high school and college) that I’ve held prior to becoming a pastor. Each was a learning experience, even if I didn’t realize it at the time. And all of those jobs have helped form me into the person I am today. Oh, I’ll rest tomorrow, but I’ll remember those jobs and some of the people with whom I worked and what I did. And then, Tuesday, it will be back to work. I can’t wait! See you on the journey where the work of the church never ends. Won’t you find your place?
Grace and peace,
Mike
August 31, 2014