Rest From Labor!

 

Stop and smell the roses (or other flowers). Resting is important if done on purpose. With Labor Day just around the corner I wanted to reserve a space for this topic. 

Rest is easy for many and hard for others. Many times my wife would say that I have a “hurried sickness.” This a a phrase coined by Dr. James Dobson. His challenge was to help people understand that being in a hurry can be addictive. It feeds something unhealthy in our lives. We may be trying to fill a hole in our lives that we think that busyness can fill.

That may be true for me. I group in a home and which work was expected. My first job was when I was nine years of age and I began driving a car around that same year as well. In those days it was not unusual for children to work. I know it’s hard to believe but I assure you that it was not child abuse. I think I’m well adjusted today.

What is true, however, is that we can become workaholics. The idea of being addicted to work as a means of fulfillment is all too dangerous. I know many that have neglected their families. I remember working at a factory in which a guy would work 12 hour shifts consecutively. From time to time I would find him sleeping on one of the rolls of paper taking a nap in between shifts or during his lunch hour. His wife would come in and collect his paycheck. He was certainly every example of being a workaholic.

Labor Day is that day of the year in which the labor unions and our government deemed as a holiday. They encourage their workers to stop working and join the picket lines or other rallies to encourage membership to the Labor Union organization. Though I’m not necessarily a favor or an opposition to the labor unions, I find this practice rather unique. At the turn of the 20th century many Americans would join parades and picnics to celebrate and recruit for the labor industry.

Today, we might have parades but we certainly don’t see as much of the Labor Unions tactics being employed yet it is a public holiday. It’s a day to cease from labor. I love having a long weekend. I certainly enjoy the picnic and parades. But, there’s something more meaningful that should be considered.

The Bible talks about having a Sabbath which is a weekly ritual. It is a time of rest and worship. It’s where we change the focus from ourselves to focus on God in worship. The Sabbath is something that we should practice within our lives. It builds rhythms for a healthy lifestyle. Too often, we can spend too much time working at the sacrifice of our own family or things that are of value.

In Hebrews chapter 4 we find the significance of remembering the Sabbath. It is an example of how the people of God were to inherit the promised land. They were to “enter into God’s rest.” It is an understanding that we would depend on God rather than ourselves. It’s not a bad practice for us to consider. Finding space in our schedule for prayer, devotions, and in fellowship with others as well as God is a good practice. 

This is a practice we should do, at minimum, weekly. Take a break and enjoy the fellowship as the Lord in your life. Stop and smell the flowers will bring peace and spiritual nourishment in your life.