I was reminded of God’s grace to me as I thought about how thankful I am to be employed as a church planter and that I am able to labor and provide for my family.  I continue to grieve for those who are among the 10% or so in our state who are unemployed right now and are emptying their bank accounts or maxing their credit cards to stay afloat.  Only God is able to take such a frustrating and life-altering situation and turn it into good.  I don’t know about you, but I have always put Labor Day right up their with Columbus Day as holidays that I have given very little thought to.  However, I couldn’t help but be overcome with a sense of gratitude to God for the opportunities, the skills, the talents, the abilities and the resources that enable me to work outside the home and for Denise to work inside the home.  It has given me a new appreciation for Labor Day.  Lord willing even as we grow in appreciation for Labor Day where we honor work, we can grow in appreciation for the Sabbath Day where we honor rest.