Labor Day is a special day. Even though it is not a true spiritual celebration, many faiths happily celebrate it because it recognizes the value of an activity essential for human beings: work.
Labor Day's cultural and spiritual revolution was founded in a simple motto: “ora et labora,” pray and work.
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, evolved from Matthew Maguire, a machinist from Paterson, N. J., who wanted to recognize those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.” and ultimately a formal creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
Anyway, the first Labor Day holiday in the U.S. was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held it second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
For everyone who works to live, or lives to work, today is the day we honor the working man and working woman. Some of us "work," yet receive no paycheck! Whatever your hourly wage or annual salary, whatever work you do or service you provide, may you be blessed by wealth in whatever currency in which you trade, and may you prosper at least as much as your wildest dreams, your hearts' desires. I could find no "special" prayer in my soul for today so here are some of my favorites that move the spirits and direct good will to all of you:
Time for rest; time for play We celebrate on Labor Day.
Throughout the year we give our best We each deserve a little rest.
The days and weeks and years march on Work well done an unspoken song.
We thank you Lord for giving life Even when work seems more like strife.
In work we have a chance to show Our talents perhaps, but surely to grow.
Interrelating and doing our jobs Helps us remember we’re an important cog.
On the wheel of life we turn and go on Fulfilled when we say
"A good job we've done."
Throughout the year we give our best We each deserve a little rest.
The days and weeks and years march on Work well done an unspoken song.
We thank you Lord for giving life Even when work seems more like strife.
In work we have a chance to show Our talents perhaps, but surely to grow.
Interrelating and doing our jobs Helps us remember we’re an important cog.
On the wheel of life we turn and go on Fulfilled when we say
"A good job we've done."
May The Creator, The Fates, The Force be with you and yours always ;-}
TNT
PS - Read more on the history and evolution of Labor Day @ http://www.scribd.com/doc/64004132/Labor-Day-It-Takes-All-Kinds-to-Make-the-World-Go-Round
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