LABOR DAY

“I am just too busy!” How many times have you heard that proclamation? I’ve said it myself. We all work; we all labor. It’s nice to have a day set aside to honor those who work, both in the home, the yard, the community, and in society.

Today, I want us to honor other laborers. I want us to pause and give thanks for those who labor in the fields for the sake of Christ and His church. Not just the pastors and their parsonage families - we lift up all those who are martyred for the Lord, those who speak up and speak out when it’s not popular to do so, and who pray when others say, “It’s not politically correct.” My friends, it will never be correct in the eyes of everyone, for some may never feel comfortable in the presence of the Lord of Love. Today, we honor those who love the Lord so much, it cannot be held back by those who feel that love grow larger than their own heart, and overflow into the lives of those around them, both the family of God and the stranger in their passing.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’" Isaiah 52:7

Let us pray:

“Oh loving Father of us all, we praise your Holy name. We pray that your kingdom may come and set up a community within us, that all those who enter our world where Love is the law, may feel that warm love shine on them as well. Today, we thank you for all those who walk among us and those who have gone before us, who have boldly lifted up your name for all those around them to hear. Listen, my friend, and you will hear the song of Love whisper through the trees and stretch out upon the wind, its sure message heard clearly once again. Your children are turning back to you Father, seeking the path that leads them home. Give us ears to hear blessed souls singing the song of Love as they walk the Way that leads to Life. We know that the music and the path are for everyone. May we gather your loved ones unto you as we pass their way. Forgive us when we have been afraid to speak out for you, passing silently by someone who may never again hear the invitation to join in the song of faith. A voice for you does not have to be loud as long as it can be heard in love. We thank you for those who gave directions to the Path and walked with us when we faltered. May you bless them with Life and Love, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, the One who leads the way to Salvation and peace. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.