First things first! Welcome to my new and improved website. My web developer made me think how I have always had more ideas than I had time to fulfill them. He did this when he told me my previous domain was too long (Leadership Coaching Mentoring Connections). I was doing all those things, but I also tried to incorporate a subtext of representing diversity, accountability, resilience, and being connected with my clients and others.
The title suggests that Labor Day 2026 is not the same as Labor Day 2025. The meaning of Labor Day it to honor contributions and achievements of worders. It has been a holiday for 133 years. That is amazing! Check out the history.
The world has changed a lot since my last post approximately 7 months ago. What has not changed is that many laborers are still needed to produce the best of what our gifts and talents can deliver. As institutions are being torn down or overruled and worker shortages are everywhere, there still exists the presence of blessings with family and friends and reminders of having a peaceful, happy day. When I worked during my previous career, Labor Day was certainly a holiday and a day of rest from the pressures and demands of the day. I may have worked at home, but it was my own choosing how I wanted to spend my time.
The call to rest screams loudly for many. I still must remind myself to do that. I read a scripture and reflections from The Consecrated Woman.Com. “Lord, thank You for the work that you have given us to do. Help us to be diligent and work wholeheartedly for You. Bless the work of our hands and help us to find rest in You.” Ultimately, the only one who can give us peace is God/Jesus. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28.
Today, there is sadness for laborers who no longer live and work in many parts of the country. There is fear for those who must hide in the shadows. Laborers have lost their jobs and separated from their families; women and children who have the same basic needs as you and me. Not only do shortfalls exist in many industries, but we can no longer learn from other cultures. I characterize myself as a global citizen. A couple characteristics are valuing different cultures, caring about human rights e.g. fairness and equality, and just having some global awareness. Americans are considered less traveled than people from other countries. That affects how we think and what we believe.
I leave you with a couple thoughts. Several corporations have prevented their workers from unionizing. The administration has changed federal institutions of workplace advocacy and protections, such as unions and equal employment opportunity. And yet 71% of Americans believe in unions. So, I close with a reflection from Martin Luther King Jr.:
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
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