In 1882 U.S. cabinet maker Peter McGuire introduced his idea for a new holiday saying, "Let us have a festive day during which a parade through the streets of the city would permit public tribute to American Industry." A dozen years later President Cleveland signed a bill into law designating the first Monday in September "Labor Day." Therefore, today is a day off from work for many people here in the United States. There are other countries who celebrate Labor Day on a different date as well. However, a day of rest was not a new concept when introduced by McGuire. God declared a day of rest in the Garden of Eden after creating the world!

While work is an important part of life, so is rest. God had worked for six days when he saw that his work was good and took time to rest on the seventh day. Keri Wyatt Kent put it this way: “At the end of each day, stop. Take a rest, eat a good meal, get enough sleep, and refresh yourself. Take time to think about your day, to notice where God was in it and where you were blessed, and to say, "It's good." Then go back at it the next day. And after six days, take a whole day off. And say, "It's really good." Spend a whole day just pausing, just reflecting on how really good it is, and then start the dance again, at a sustainable pace."

Let us see our work as an opportunity to serve God while serving others, regardless of what our job title may be. Putting on the attitude of Christ and displaying the Fruits of the Spirit in all tasks can be a testimony to others of the blessing it is to be a follower of Christ.  

In all that we do, may our goal be to bring HIM glory. May our day of rest be a time to renew our minds by setting our eyes on Jesus. Count the blessings he has given you, enjoy those blessings, and let this awareness deepen our sense of gratitude and bring us closer to our Savior.

Suggested Prayer: Dear God, whether I am working or resting, please help my mind to be focused on you. Thank you for your provision and great faithfulness to me. Help me see my work as another opportunity to bring others to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.