A Real Labor Day!
For our household, September 6, 2010 was quite appropriately called “Labor Day” for that day also happened to be our son Jonathan’s 19th birthday. In other words, as I told Kim and our family, for her it really was “labor day” for it was on that day, nineteen years ago, that she was in labor giving birth to our first son. Thus, if anyone should have been honored for their labor it would have to be Kim for all that she went through bringing our son into the world. Yes, for her it was a day of hard labor.
Thinking back to that day, I am always amazed, however, of not only the stamina that Kim had throughout that process but even more so of how, once holding that newborn in her arms, this new mother forgot all of her pain. Once the baby was handed over to her, it was as if there had never been any struggle. She went so quickly from labor to rest as our new son, Jonathan, was placed in her arms.
Jesus said, “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” (John 16:21 – NIV) He then gives a promise to his disciples saying, “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:22 – NIV)
Jesus’ words are meant to encourage us to not allow the labor of this life to discourage us. We must not succumb to the difficulties of this world. Rather, we are to hold onto our faith in Christ, looking ahead with hope. For, although this may be our time of labor, a day is coming when all the pain and struggle of this life will be forgotten and replaced with the joy, peace, and rest of Heaven.
What a great promise to hold onto today. One day our labor day will be turned into a day of joy, peace, and rest. Let’s press forward towards that day.
Have a great day!
-Pastor Harris
Thinking back to that day, I am always amazed, however, of not only the stamina that Kim had throughout that process but even more so of how, once holding that newborn in her arms, this new mother forgot all of her pain. Once the baby was handed over to her, it was as if there had never been any struggle. She went so quickly from labor to rest as our new son, Jonathan, was placed in her arms.
Jesus said, “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” (John 16:21 – NIV) He then gives a promise to his disciples saying, “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:22 – NIV)
Jesus’ words are meant to encourage us to not allow the labor of this life to discourage us. We must not succumb to the difficulties of this world. Rather, we are to hold onto our faith in Christ, looking ahead with hope. For, although this may be our time of labor, a day is coming when all the pain and struggle of this life will be forgotten and replaced with the joy, peace, and rest of Heaven.
What a great promise to hold onto today. One day our labor day will be turned into a day of joy, peace, and rest. Let’s press forward towards that day.
Have a great day!
-Pastor Harris
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