Let me take a break from Gastric-bypass recovery and share some thoughts that came to me this past Labor Day.

Usually on Labor Day I am either having a picnic or out in the apartments playing with kids because they are out of school. Most of the jobs I had before this one I would have been at work on Labor Day. America we have lost sight on this holiday is all about!

The first Labor Day was in 1882, which was a time when 12 hour work days were the norm in the factories here; a time that a 10 or 12 year old could be working those hours for a few cents an hour. Labor reform changed all that in our country long ago, but we have chosen to forget that piece of history and it is not even honored on the first Monday of September as planned. Labor Day is now the time to recognize the end of summer, a time when the laborers of this era have to work. Cooks, retail worker, and other 21st century labors have to supply the service for those who do get off.

Edmund Burke once said, “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.” That seems to be what happens. We don’t know the reason for Labor Day and we are drifting back into a country where 12 hour work days and 6 day work weeks are a norm. Sure working conditions are better but where is time for family, relaxing or even to be still and listen to the Lord.

The American Dream tends to crush everything in its way. That is why family and the Great Commission suffers as we all pursue the dream of hording things that are just wood, hay and stubble to be burned one day.

Just some thoughts.