Thursday, September 5, 2024

Labor Day

Labor Day was earlier this week. I took to time that day (and most days) to be grateful for the work that I am able and given to do. Our Bishop once called it “sweet work” and I agree. More and more I am acutely aware of the privilege of my work. So many do not have the choice or opportunity to do something that brings them joy. Many are simply doing whatever they can do to survive day to day sometimes moment by moment. So, I believe one of my responsibilities is to be grateful for the work that I GET to do. It is not a have to…what an incredible luxury and privilege. It is also my responsibility to join with others to labor for justice so that this work is available for all.

One of the poems that brings me back when I think that I’ve figured it all out…ha! Or simply have lost my way, is one of Wendell Berry’s called Our Real Work. It reminds me of the gift of work and that “getting it right” rarely does. Labor on friends, labor on.

It may be that when we no longer know what to do

we have come to our real work,

and that when we no longer know which way to go

we have come to our real journey.

The mind that is not baffled is not employed.

The impeded stream is the one that sings.

Our Real Work, Wendell Berry