LABOR DAY 9/4/11

LIFE IN the fast lane gives us the first weekend in September
off to celebrate the first Monday in September. This year that Monday is tomorrow; September 5th! For some, it is a celebration denoting the end of summer and the last camping out hurrah; for others it is an occasion for parties, parades and athletic events. But actually it is to celebrate the economic and social achievements of the American workforce.

IT ALL BEGAN in the later part of the 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. For the Labor Union movement, this day gave credence to their strengths and contributions to the prosperity and well being of the American workers. For the most part, the Union began as a good thing for the common laborer. But in the long haul, it has become a chatelaine around our necks. Looking at today’s spread sheet, gives me this viewpoint!

AMERICA has been, indeed an economic success story until about the last decade or so. Because of inflation more money has been needed to keep up with the cost of living. Because of the financial burden of wars and rumors of wars; and the banking system encouraging more and more debt, the national treasure began to print more money to satisfy the bellies of the coffers.

I GREW UP in a low income household! I remember my brother Lloyd fixing lunch for us kids. Sometimes it was just tomatoes; sometimes potatoes; and then there was bread, spread with mustard, and sugar sprinkled on top. I think we became healthy, wealthy and wise! Use up what is in the cupboard before worrying about when you have enough to refill the cupboard.

YOU AND I have lived during the most successful period in America’s history. When Congress got involved with the financial bargaining table; the seller’s market, with rinky dink homes, began to sell beyond a reasonable housing market. The buyer, who should beware, began to buy far beyond their means! This was made possible because Congress encouraged the banks to give loans on outrageously priced properties and those of substandard quality, whether credit was good or not! Banks agreed, jumping upon this profit building scheme. Then foreclosures; repossessions by the hundreds and bankruptcies, became an everyday event. In the end, it all crashed! The stock market suffers and our pockets are close to being empty.

“TAKE COURAGE, all you people of the land, says the Lord; work, for I am with you, says the Lord of hosts, according to the promise that I made you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit abides among you; fear not. For thus says the Lord of hosts; Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all the nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with splendor says the Lord of hosts. The silver and gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:4b-7 God was talking through Haggai to the leaders of that day. This was a prophecy of political upheavals and earthquakes that would be used by God to accomplish His purposes. The earthly confusion would be evidence, that God was preparing to act.

WHEN I READ THIS, I couldn’t help but think of our world today. I couldn’t put aside the idea that if we would seek His face and turn from our wicked ways as is stated in 2nd Chronicles 7:14, that God would truly save our world from this economical disaster. However, Haggai is not talking about external splendor as much as he is referring to the spiritual glory that would abound when Jesus Himself, began to preach His gospel. Celebrating our labor of Love for our Lord, would be more in line for a celebration on Labor Day than to give glory to our sinking economy. My choice is; “Labor day of Love”! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/27/11