Labor Day always sneaks up on me. It falls right after the rush of back to school – just when you feel like maybe you’re getting back into a routine. And I know for me, I don’t typically think to take a Monday off from work. But it’s a nice treat right before you head into the full chaos of the fall season.
 
The gift of a day off isn’t something God forgot. When he took six days to create the world, even he chose to stop and rest for the seventh day.
 
“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” – Genesis 2:1-3 ESV
 
Some of us might honor this biblical command by observing a Sabbath day each week. Or depending on the season of life you’re in, you might try to find just a few minutes each day as your own Sabbath to honor God and rest in him.
 
Our creator recognizes that his children can grow weary and tired from day-to-day life. He knew we would need to unplug and recharge, and he led by example.
 
This Labor Day, I’m challenging myself to remember that God commands us to work unto him rather than for others – but also that we are called to rest.
 
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters … It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” – Colossians 3:23-24
 
So whether you’re able to enjoy a day like Labor Day off from work, or maybe there’s another day this week you can find rest, remember that we were created in the image of God – who also valued the gift of rest.

Written by Emily Ahrens, director of marketing communications for Buckner International. 

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