“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 NIV

Labor Day is a holiday on the first Monday of September. We celebrate everyone who works, and we all get the day off! People can work in an office, a factory, schools or colleges, at home, and yes, even you work if you go to school or help at home with chores. What work do your mom and dad do? What work do you do?

Our Bible verse for today was written by King Solomon, a very wise man. He tells us that we should be happy and do good, eat and drink and find satisfaction in our toil (work). All of these things are a gift of God. So, yes, even the ability to do work is a gift of God. Remember that the next time your mom or dad asks you to do something for them.

There is some work that is not my favorite, like doing dishes or vacuuming. But I’m always glad when it is done; I feel good that it is finished and done well, I’m satisfied. So even jobs we don’t like as well, we can still find satisfaction in a job well done. When they were young, my kids didn’t like cleaning their rooms on Saturday morning; they would procrastinate (put it off as long as they could). But they finally realized that if they did it quickly and well, then they could have the rest of the day to do what they wanted.

Another verse in the Bible tells us how we should work, especially jobs we may not like as well. It is written by Paul in a letter to the church at Colossae. It says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23. If we look at work as something we are doing for Jesus then we have a better attitude and we want to do it well.

Today, celebrate the Labor Day holiday with your family. Have a backyard picnic, or go visit relatives, or have a quiet day together. But however you celebrate the day, remember to thank your mom and dad and all of those you know who work. Also this week and from now on, think of all of your chores and toil as working for Jesus. Be happy in your work, do good for others, enjoy your food and drink and find satisfaction in your work.

Blessings and satisfaction in all you do!