Labour Day, a good way

     

     Labour Day, to most of us, signals the end of our summer freedom and a reminder to get serious about up-coming fall obligations. 

     But perhaps we have never given much thought as to why this day is called labour day. 

     It was first recognized as far back as 1894. Canadian workers and the labour movement, for more than a century, have fought for a safe, equitable and just work place. As a result, their hard-won victories have resulted in fair wages and many other benefits and protections in our workplaces that we often take for granted today. 

     

     I was reminded of the age-old adage of “no wearing of white” after Labour Day. 

     Actually, that rule was tossed around in my family as I was growing up. 

     It may have originated as a sign of wealth — a way for the ultra-rich to self-identify, separate from the working masses. 
    
     If you lived in a dirty city, you wore dark clothes. If you were wealthy enough to escape to a vacation summer home, you wore white — “the leisure look.” 

     I’m glad wearing white is now in vogue all year round. As the calendar tells us our “summer of extremes” is drifting into the autumn months, we somehow feel we are still awaiting those pleasant days we were used to. 

     Too wet in the East and too dry in the West, weather authorities tell us the jetstream is to blame. It seems the Manitobans were the ones that enjoyed the most pleasant summer weather, though they also had their struggle with fires. 

     As school reopens each autumn, I again find my thoughts taking me down memory lane. 

     

     Having taught several years in public schools and later serving many more as a preschool educator, I can relate to the feelings and all the preparations teachers are now having to engage in. 

     I still believe no other profession is quite as important as having the privilege of being a part of the education process of our today’s children and youth. 

     Jesus welcomed, blessed and valued children. Gracious and gentle words by teachers, that show love and caring, often help in building a child’s self-esteem. Even young children deal with comparison and self-esteem issues. 
     

     Ann Voscamp, author and speaker once said, “Miracles happen whenever we speak words that make souls stronger.” 

     Teachers often have the opportunity to teach forgiveness and respect for others throughout the varied happenings of a day. 

     
     My local paper recently told the frightening news of two young teens in our city, who violently attacked a victim who interfered with their process of stealing a car. 

     

     Another recent happening in the news, coming from Moncton, N.B., my childhood city, saw a group of young children smashing a little girl’s treasured bicycle. 

     A local shop owner became the good Samaritan, restoring her bike to her as good as new. 

     Of course stories like these abound, but to realize now, even our very young children are getting into acts of violence, is indeed sad and disturbing. 

     John Newton wrote, "If, as I go home, a child has dropped a halfpenny, and if by giving it another, I can wipe away it’s tears, I feel I have done something. I should be glad to do greater things; but I will not neglect this.” 

     Thanks to this Moncton resident for being a great example. He no doubt remembered the old paradox Jesus gave us when He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) 

     Paying attention as we go through our day, we will easily find someone in need of comfort or help. I believe we’re happiest when we give ourselves away, whatever that looks like. Unfortunately, many adults with their bigotry and hate are poor examples for our children and youth. Everyone seems to have “a cause” and wants to be heard. Activists abound, hate crimes, anti-semitic slurs, graffiti appearing on schools and religious buildings, racism leading to violent clashes, disrespect for authority, and rumblings of a hydrogen war! 

     It seems the world is speeding out of control. We pray that somehow sanity will be brought back to our insane world.    

     But, we know, a day will come when God will call the peoples of the world to Himself. Violence will end. Weapons of war will become farming tools, and every person who answers God’s call will find a peaceful home in His Kingdom.    (See Micah 4:3-4).     

      Dear Lord, thank you that in this world that can seem ugly with sin and decay, You allow us to see glimpses of beauty.

— beulah