This weekend is what is considered Labor Day Weekend and it is a time for relaxation, family reunions, picnics, and mattress and furniture sales. It has its roots in the labor protests and union parades of the 1800s and was first celebrated on September 5th, 1882. However, in my family we use actual Labor Day as a time to clean up, purge, and get our yard ready for fall. Its a true day of labor.

I love work. I love getting my hands dirty, sweating, moving things, cleaning up, and organizing. I love the sense of accomplishment when I look back at what I have done and admire the effort it took to get it done. But, not all labor is physical. Many times our efforts go towards a variety of areas of our lives. Here are a few areas of your life in which you should labor:

  1. Labor in your marriage: Work hard on your communication. Listen actively, express yourself clearly and honestly. Work to ensure that your spouse feels heard and understood. World on spending quality time together. Prioritize meaningful moments and enjoy them to the fullest. Work hard on forgiveness. Give each other the benefit of the doubt and don’t hold on to grudges but be diligent in resolving conflicts. Work hard on being respectful. Value each other and appreciate your spouse’s abilities by affirming their strengths and encouraging their growth.

READ EPHESIANS 5:22-33

  1. Labor in your parenting: Work hard to be patient. Be understanding toward your children. Recognize that they are learning and your job is to do the training. Work hard to be consistent. Set clear expectations and encourage your children to grow and achieve the goals they personally set for themselves. Give appropriate discipline when needed with love and grace. Work hard to lead by example. Demonstrate to your children Biblical values. Show them what a healthy relationship is with God.

READ EPHESIANS 6:1-9

  1. Labor in your Christian life: Work hard to be strong and faithful. Be ready to fight against the devil and resist him stand firm with the armor of God. Work hard to pray, study and meditate on the Word of God. Set time aside everyday to talk to God and grow closer to Him. Be an imitator of God. Work hard to purge sin and walk in love leaving the ways of darkness and living in the light. Work hard to be filled with the Spirit giving thanks to God and being humble toward your brothers and sisters in Christ.

READ EPHESIANS 5:1-21 & 6:10-18

I believe Labor Day is for labor. But not just the physical work. Work on these areas of your life, too.

What are you working on this Labor Day?

For the Lord,

Alex