Labor Day

When you have a three-day weekend, the day off can feel like a Sunday, and then the dread of Monday and going back to work begins to simmer. The reframe is: don't let fear of tomorrow stop you from pursuing the joy of today.

On Labor Day there are conflicting thoughts. First, when I find myself grumbling internally about going to work on Tuesday, I remember that it is a blessing to work at all, a blessing to be employed, and a blessing to have a paid holiday off.

I also realize that there are many people working today who make my life function. The cashier at Trader Joe's who took the time to comment on the sweet potato cookies I bought for my dog. The person who bagged my groceries. The cashier at Dollar Tree, which was out of bags, who understood that the baby shower bag I had with me was the substitute, and bagged my items in it. The server who brought me my food at the movie, and the person at the front counter who checked me in.

Our labor benefits us, but the labor of others supports us. And in turn, when I don't feel like going into work, I need to remember that my labor serves others. Labor can be pleasant at times and unpleasant at others, so it is important for me to look in another direction. Service that is done for me is something to be thankful for. And the service I provide for others can be looked forward to.

Whose labor made your day easier today?

Here, I made this. My gift to you, for taking the time to read.

Images are from my imagination, generated by AI. Writing is all me.