Taking a Break

Most of us are taking a break from our labors, or at least from our routines. Today is a holiday, a word derived from the Old English word hāligdæg, meaning holy day.

Throughout the world there are holy days, days that are set aside for religious purposes. Whether it be a solstice, Ramadan, Yom Kippur, or Easter, there are centuries of traditions that are honored. Countries often formalize a holy day, such as Christmas, by making them also a legal holiday. Most countries have other mandated holidays, such as today in the U.S., that have been incorporated into their culture for a variety of reasons, usually politically motivated.

In our country we have holidays while in others, people go on one. Whatever the language, today we stop our hunting and gathering to rest. To celebrate the dignity of all work and give thanks for the opportunity to provide for ourselves and our family. To thank those who must labor today and while we hope the firefighters, police, and emergency medical staff will not be needed, we fear they will be. We think of those who are without meaningful work or any income-generating work at all, and those who are under- or over-employed.

Whatever phase of life you are in now, muse on Pearl Buck’s words, “to find joy in work is to discover the fountain of youth.” And, as you go about your holiday, take a moment throughout the day to offer a thank you for what you are enjoying. To the inventor of that grill. To the farmer. To those who made the meal. Think of a funny story related to your work and share it around the table. Lift a glass and give thanks for those in your life who labor for you and to those who paid you for your labor. Work, whether paid or volunteer, helps make and define a community, so, finally, toast yourself for all of the labor you have done on behalf of others and, recognize that you do deserve a day of rest. Tomorrow’s work will come soon enough.

Marilyn