Disciples, Apostles, and Saints!
As we approach the unofficial end of summer with Labor Day weekend, the early arrival of pumpkin spice and Halloween decorations, school and all things associated with the academic year, I want to take a brief moment to invite us to remember a holiday associated with the end of summer vacation and its vision that ensures we have summer vacation.
Given the centrality of Sabbath rest in our theology, we’d be remiss if we neglected to remind ourselves of the relationship of work and rest to the natural rhythm of life. And, because there is near absolute certainty that every one of us is in a constant state of awareness of work—from the physical labor of working in an office or at home, to the emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual labor of caring for others, serving the community, and honoring the love of God with our neighbors—we tend to give far less attention to the need to rest from our labors. And not merely rest, but to unplug, refrain from working, and providing for one another the regular example of living a life that works against the work clock, not merely according to it.
For people of faith, Labor Day is not a Christian Holy Day, but it is a holiday that resonates with the holy foundation of our faith. It is, at its core, about an active resistance to an out-of-balance obsession with work. And one that, at its core, is about preserving rest, not just for oneself, but also for one’s neighbors. Because Sabbath reminds us to share rest and relief—liberation—with everyone.
With love,
Drew