Devotion

Your Labor Is Not In Vain
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. --- James 5:4

Labor Day is a public holiday for the general population. Schools, government offices, and other businesses and organizations are closed to allow for an extended weekend of rest, travel, and entertainment. For many, this holiday is the official wrap up of summer fun and the return to school and learning...business as usual. However, not everyone gets to take off and enjoy it. During every holiday, there will always be essential workers on their jobs serving and providing for their communities. While they deserve and desire to relax and enjoy the day being off along with everyone else, they are stationed and on standby for medical, fire, and police emergencies. They are caring for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, and hospice care (this includes family members and friends who are the primary caregivers to their loved ones at home). They are serving at the grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants, and a host of other businesses. If you or someone you know fits in this vast category of indispensable humanitarians, please realize that your labor is not in vain. You are building up treasures in Heaven that exceed the value of your dedication, sacrifices, and service for the sake of others! And know this: God has a way about Him that will bless you with opportunities of rest and enjoyment when you least expect it. Nothing you do goes unnoticed. God is right there with you - always!