25Sep 09
Good Wholesome Labor
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Ladders, Chain saws, blowers, shovels, chimney sweeper, truck, lawnmowers, wheelbarrows, pressure washers…What do these all have in common? The answer can be quite simple: items used to perform good wholesome labor. Yes, labor can be good, actually better then good – it can be incredible and enjoyable. It often depends on the worker’s purpose and joy…
Eleven workers "rolled up there sleeves". Their house was growing disheveled. The outside appearance was lacking crispness. The time had come to set in order and become "fixer-uppers". All items mentioned above were utilized. Additional accoutrements were 22 hands and arms with 11 backs; creating a work force first in words but then in deeds.
With zeal, usually according unto knowledge, the workers tackled the projects put before them. To give an idea of the type of work, no tedious recitation is necessary just a brief description of the concluding appearance of the various workers. For some when work had ended, their arms and legs were speckled with both creosol and wood chips, others hopefully enjoyed but maybe endured a soaking experience from pressure washers, still others, seemed near to becoming pillars of certain minerals: not salt, only clay and sand.
In the midst of all the differences when the work had ended there was comradery around two important thoughts:
1. Encouraged by the work accomplish
2. Gratefulness for those proper times of rest
"…be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts:" Haggai 2:4b
"For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." Hebrews 4:10
You really appreciate rest after work, and food after hunger, and comfort after mourning – to a degree that would be impossible if the first had never been. It is getting to be that time of year that traditionally celebrates the reward of good, wholesome, sweat-dripping, muscle-straining labor, when what was sown has matured and the laborer gets what he deserves. What a blessed thing it is!
Looks like one of those fun, exhausting, joyful times! You really come to appreciate team work at times like this… when everyone’s efforts are concentrated to bring to reality the ideas and dreams of the leaders. What satisfaction in knowing that your home is again looking fresh and crisp… the joy is even more full in knowing that it was accomplished by all because of a common vision!