Labor Day

Happy Labor Day weekend!

Work is good, but we all need a break now and again, and Labor Day gives most of us a break. The holiday honors America’s workers. We don’t have a holiday honoring America’s shirkers—and there are more than a few.

When I pursued a master’s degree at Indiana State University, I heard a psychology professor advocate full unemployment. He suggested full unemployment would enable everyone to sit home and watch TV. Obviously, he could have benefited from a little psychological testing.

God did not impose work on the human race as punishment. He assigned work to Adam before Adam and Eve sinned. He put Adam “in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). It was after the Fall that work became labor (3:17-19).

In spite of the mental and physical rigors of daily work, it is beneficial to stay actively involved in some form of work. Idleness leads to boredom, frustration, and depression, whereas meaningful work produces a sense of accomplishment, self-worth, and purpose. Further, work produces the income we need to pay the bills, contribute to the advancement of God’s Word, and enjoy occasionally recreation—like golf!

Jerry Jenkins wrote an article about me for Moody Magazine in 2000. He titled it, “Not the Retiring Type.” Eight years later, I am still working, and I don't plan to shop for a rocking chair any time soon. As a matter of fact, for a modest fee I would be happy to evaluate and/or edit your manuscript or that of one of your friends or relatives. I can apply four decades of writing and editing experience to the project.

The Labor Day weekend is off to a good start. My sons-in-law, Brad and Jim, and I have good seats for today’s Air Force football game at the United States Air Force Academy. Before kickoff, cadets will parade onto the field, fighter jets will fly low overhead, parachutists will land on the field, and patriotic fans will sing the national anthem. The excitement should run high for this season opener and "parents weekend."

I hope you enjoy the weekend, and remember to display the flag.