Monday, September 4, 2017

On Laboring, Suffering, and Thriving





            Today in the United States, we’re celebrating labor, and Labor. Wikipedia describes it as a day that “… honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country.” Which is actually a quote from our government’s official website on the holiday. As though anything else but the hard work of our citizens could have contributed to the country’s economic success.
           



           
            It’s really kind of a socialist or communist idea where we honor the workingman, specifically the labor unions in our country. (Somehow it irks me that we have a day that leans toward blue-collar labor and doesn’t say too much about white-collar labor, both of which are necessities to making a country hum and prosper. Sorry, I digress into politics.)
           
           
            More than 100 years after its founding, though, I’m going to guess that I’d be hard pressed to find anyone out and about on Labor Day able to give you the meaning of the day. That’s probably because it’s now pretty much dedicated to hard-core consumerism, and much of the work force isn’t relaxing or celebrating the day at all—with picnics and rest and neighborhood football games—but laboring to sell goods at a shopping mall.
           
            The engineer always gets the day off—officially, but sometimes (being an writer-solopreneur), you’ll find me parked at my desk for part of the day, pecking away at my keyboard, trying to meet an editing deadline. If I don’t work, I don’t eat!



           
            But we’re celebrating in our own way. We’re breaking in a new grill purchased last Friday night. Nothing was wrong with our old grill—until the pack rats decided it looked like a good high-rise in which to set up house while we were enjoying the great Northwest for three weeks. I’d recently purchased a cover for it, to protect it from the desert elements, and they found that even more convenient. What could be better than a high rise with a weather cape! And the quail block located within inches of the high rise was like an instant supermarket—the inside of the grill was packed to the rafters with birdseed. (I wonder what the quail ended up eating?)
           
            Anyway, we retired the 26-year-old grill (actually heaved into the trailer to cart to the dump), and went to a local big box do-it-yourself store to acquire a new one. The engineer’s happy. This new grill has a rotisserie component we didn’t have before, so he can skewer deceased game hen and watch them whirl around and roast to a golden brown over the gas flames.
           
            (The engineer and I actually considered cleaning the grill out and sterilizing it as best as we could, until our younger son screwed up his face in horror and reminded us pack rats are notorious for carrying the plague. Hmmm, good point, son! Into the trash it went.)





  
  

        But for many in our fair country, today is not a day of labor or shopping or grilling. Today is a day of survival. Of waiting to be rescued from water-filled homes, of trying to reunite with their loved ones, of mourning friends or family who died in devastating Hurricane Harvey. They’re trying to survive in some overcrowded shelter and trying not to ponder (too much, at least) what remains of their homes, their belongings, their lives. Businesses aren’t doing business (even on workdays), and some workers are trying to figure out how to keep their businesses from exploding. Literally.
           
            And in the midst of it all, survivors know what their priorities are, and who is still worthy of being praised, even in the midst of heartache, calamity, fears, and unknowns.
           
            Since this is Music Monday, I want to share the following YouTube video with all of my readers.
           
            Gospel singers Victoria White and Marquist Taylor went on a mission in Houston. To a shelter. Actually, to several shelters. They have gifts, and they were called by God to use them. And they did. These two have the voices of angels and ooze the love, joy, and hope of Jesus. They went to lift spirits, and they succeeded.
           
            Enjoy!
           
           
            And there are a couple of Casting Crown songs that are appropriate for the events of this week too.
           
            “Jesus, Hold Me Now" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPadSoXbp-4
           
            “Until the Whole World Hears” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7qi2KlUffs
           
            “Just Be Held” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIZitK6_IMQ
           
            
            Then put your hands together for their “Thrive” song! Yes, we can survive and thrive in the storms of life, no matter what kind they are. It might take a while to recover, but with God all things are possible. And we'll get there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ71RWJhS_M





            Are these not the most amazing, persevering and hopeful cowboys you’ve ever seen?! 




          And then there are those who possess an un-squelchable sense of humor and find an opportunity in everything!


          Make it a great week of labor and rest and Thriving! And keep praying for everyone in the great State of Texas!



I’ll be right back here next week, God willing!

Blessings,
           
Andrea
May you prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 2).

Photos courtesy of Google Images           

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