Genesis 2:3 - On the seventh day he rested from all his work. (The Message)
In 1882, a cabinet maker introduced his idea for a new holiday to pay tribute to American Industry. Twelve years later, President Cleveland signed a bill into law designating the first Monday in September as 'Labor Day' as a tribute to workers. For many, that is a day off with cookouts and the last hurrah for summer.
When God finished creating Heaven and Earth, he designated a day to rest called 'Sabbath'. A day of tribute to our Maker. What do we do on that day?
My cousin, Jeff, is a Lt on the Concord Fire Dept.and every year hosts a pig roast (whole pig and pit) at his home in Belmont. Firefighters and their families from Concord and Belmont come to enjoy a day of family fun and camaraderie. Sometimes the Belmont Dept has a truck and rescue sitting in Jeff's yard because the guys might get an emergency call. This get together is important to them, so they bring the station with them. My family and the one or two relatives I have are also invited. There are tractor rides, games for the kids, horseshoes and tons of food.
Jeff does this because he wants not to only have fun with his buddies and their families, but also as a way thank you them for their commitment to service. For him, this is a Labor Day tradition.
Just as Jeff has his Labor Day traditions, we must establish a Sabbath Day tradition. Take the day to rest, thank God for your family and focus on what God has done. I thank God for our fire fighters and for their families who support them.
Nancy
