Well, well, well, here we are again, hopefully somewhat rested after an unusual five months of dealing with the coronavirus forces that have intruded into our lives. One glance at the calendar shows us that we are staring Labour Day in the face. This year, we are eager more than ever to embrace our place in the workforce. However, this September, many people are searching for employment opportunities that help fire the economy and give personal satisfaction and monetary rewards.
If we’ve been fortunate enough to have had steady work at our job sites or home office during this pandemic, we’ve been the lucky ones. On the other hand, if we’re among the many who have suffered job losses that may never return, we feel sad, blue and even depressed.
Around me, I hear comments from people such as, “I’ve worked all my life and never been unemployed,” or “I’ve never missed a day of work in thirty years”. Others wonder, “When will the world return to normal? I just want to feed my family”.
Suddenly, we no longer yearn for the weekend or a couple of days respite. We realize what a gift it is to have satisfying work. Work gives life dignity and provides motivation to get up in the morning. Honest labour is a boon to the economy, to others and to further the development of the world.
Yes, I sometimes begrudgingly drag my body out of bed and off to work but I usually return home tired but aware that my work has meaning for myself, my family, and all those whom my life touches.
This Labour Day, let’s not forget to pause and reflect on the gift of work.
-Sister Jean Moylan, csj