Life with Cherie

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for a break!  That’s how I’ve come to think about Labor Day.  But is that how I want my kids to experience it?

As someone who has continuously held a job for more than 30 years, the same someone who is currently “enjoying” unemployment, it’s hard for me to understand why I’d feel the need for a break this weekend.  And worse, why I’d feel entitled to enjoy this holiday for myself.  But I do!  I’m tired.  Worn out.  Ready to rest.

That’s what got me thinking; Labor Day isn’t just a celebration for employees.  It’s also for the self-employed, the under-employed and the un-employed.  At first, I thought I would offer a devotion, thanking God for the gift of our brothers and sisters who help us get through life.  But then I realized a blanket thanksgiving wouldn’t capture the importance of what I learned today – to lift everyone up for the good that they do.  All of us contribute.  All of us are necessary.

Instead of that blanket prayer, I’d like to call out a few people who might be surprised to hear how important and appreciated they are.

Photo by Carl Attard on Pexels.com

Ladies at the Des Peres Licensing Office, you are at the top of my list.  Man, you have a tough job!  Most of us, myself included, walk in ready for frustration and a fight. I’ve lived in Missouri for just about ten years.  We’ve moved a few times and, after experiencing other locations, I drive an hour to go to Des Peres instead!

I’d also like to give thanks to the “creative” people out there.  The ones who look at the world, see its needs, and come up with some wild inventions – like blowing hot gas through a tube, running it through some fan blades and creating cold air.  Who thought of that?  Or the light in the refrigerator?  Running water?  Oh, and hot water!  There are so many things we take for granted because they’re common place. Well, it wasn’t always that way.  So this Labor Day, I wanted to thank the people who are “out there” dreaming up the kinds of solutions most of us don’t understand, but will look back on one day and wonder how we ever survived without them.

For those who inspire our minds; teachers, preachers, missionaries, public servants, volunteers…  You’re often the last to be recognized and, considering the hours you work and the importance of your jobs, you need to know – Our minds are indebted to you, our hearts are grateful and our future is in your hands!

Always, we need to remember our service men and women, whether on active duty, retired or deceased.  Not many of us have had to experience what life would be like without the freedom to express ourselves and the opportunity to become whoever and whatever we want to be.  You are often recognized for fighting and protecting us from harm.  This year, I want to be sure we’re also considering that you have given up your own choices in order to preserve ours.

Is there anyone in your world who would be surprised to hear from you this weekend?  Someone who makes your life easier or better for the work that they do? Add to this post and we can look back on this Labor Day as the year we joined together to begin thanking the unthanked.