Had a prayer after all

 Dear Friends

With Labor Day weekend upon us, I thought it might be helpful to lighten things up---for just a moment---even as we continue to pray for those facing great grief and challenges after a week of heart wrenching news.

Growing up with great self-awareness, I considered many careers including:

Being a doctor, but I realized I didn’t have enough patience.

Being a physical therapist, but I knew that would be a stretch for me.

Being an auto mechanic, but I didn’t really have the drive.

Being an accountant, but I was concerned it would be too taxing.

Being a drummer, but I was beat after my first gig.

In the end, even though people said I didn’t have a prayer, I became a priest.

Thank God there are people who have the interest and the skills and the passion to do jobs that I have no desire or skills for, but I depend on them. Thank God there are people right now, working night and day to restore basic services we take for granted, to those who have lost them in the aftermath of Ida.

And thank God for labors of love, those things we do which bring us so much joy that we forget time, whether they are done off or on the clock.

As the hymn* I always chose for the Sunday closest to Labor Day each year concludes

Every task, however simple, sets the soul that does it free

Every deed of human kindness, done in love is done to thee

Jesus thou our divine Companion, help us all to work our best

Bless us in our daily labor, lead us to our Sabbath rest.

John

*Pleading Savior, Hymn 586, Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933)