Labor Day
Author’s note: Over the past few months, I have posted occasionally on LinkedIn how things are going at Cintas. However, I have realized many of you who appreciate updates do not follow me there. Where it makes sense — as in this case — I will try to be mindful to share the same content here.
I have never had strong feelings about Labor Day.
The extent of my affinity for the first Monday in September has been limited to my general appreciation for three-day weekends.
But my recent extended season of rest has changed my perspective.
This time last year, I was retired.
Or at least, that is how I referred to my state of self-determined unemployment.
If you have been following along, you know the story by now. I had walked away from my corporate career to take an extended sabbatical and do missions work overseas.
Before I flew to Hawaii for training (and ultimately to South Africa for the winter), I spent eight and a half weeks visiting friends and family. By the time my departure date arrived, I was ready, oh so ready to *do* something.
To be clear, the rest was wonderful — and a privilege. It was, by far, the longest break I had experienced since the summer of my 16th birthday.
But after two months of resting, the novelty had worn off.
A friend had predicted I would “get tired of wandering,” and he was right.
The next five months, split between Kona and Durban, were both exhausting and energizing, full and freeing.
Upon returning to Cincinnati, the spring paralleled the fall as a season of rest. I fully embraced my “retirement” during those 11 weeks. I played pickleball, completed jigsaw puzzles, visited friends and family, read books, and took naps.
(I am sure you see where this is going.)
Just like last fall, I grew tired of resting.
Though this may sound counter-intuitive and slightly ridiculous, it’s true. I now understand why many people who *could* simply stop working in retirement instead choose to pick up a part-time consulting gig, volunteer in some capacity, or care for their grandchildren.
Work is part of what it means to be human.
Humanity is God’s magnum opus, and He created us to be like Him.
Because He is a creator, so are we. We were designed to create beauty with our hands, with our minds, with our voices. Work is integral to our wellbeing.
And yet, I am not entitled to a job, much less one that I love.
During my time in South Africa, I personally spoke with numerous individuals who desperately wanted the chance to provide for themselves and to contribute to their community. The nation has the highest unemployment rate in the world — approximately one in every three people does not have a job.
I am the recipient of more privilege than I even realize, including the privilege of meaningful work. I do not take it lightly.
Today, I celebrate Labor Day 2023 with a humble and grateful heart. I am profoundly thankful for Cintas, my coworkers, and the opportunity to invest my days building bridges of trust.
I love this!