“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV

I don’t think this Labor Day will be the same as those in years past. No big gatherings. No neighborhood BBQ’s. Near where we are, the Hillsville, Virginia Flea Market is a historic tradition. The town is packed with vendors and bargain shoppers. But not this year, cancelled.

But we are all laborers; whether we work for ourselves or someone else, we all have to work. We retired about 5 years ago when my husband sold his business, but there is still plenty of work to do around our place. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, people have worked. And our Labor Day holiday lets us celebrate us, American workers.

So I want to wish everyone a safe and beautiful Labor Day holiday, even if we spend this day off from our labor with just our family or a few friends. I also want to share just a few of my favorite “labor” verses with you. The verse above from Ecclesiastes is one of those favs. I have found that the hardest jobs are always better when we work together, clearing brush, cutting trees and splitting wood, cleaning out ditches, and even gardening. Two are better than one when it comes to work.

“You will eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.” Psalms 128:2 NIV We all know the comfort and satisfaction of a job well done. This verse from Psalms reminds us that our work will be rewarded by the Lord.

The final verse I want to share is by far my favorite. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” Psalms 127:1 NIV Whatever work we do, we should work as if we are working for the Lord. Without God’s guidance and direction our labor is less than it should be or could be.

So, this week, as we all head back to our labors on Tuesday, let’s remind ourselves that the Lord is with us in our labors. God will bless us and provide prosperity and fruit for our work.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we celebrate Labor Day!

Blessings and prosperity for your labor!