5-year-olds working 12 hour shifts

Every year in the United States on the first Monday in September, we celebrate Labor Day to acknowledge the fight for worker’s rights in the US. The Department of Labor shares that this holiday "constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country." (Source: Department of Labor)
 
In the US people died by the government’s hand as they worked to protect their interests in big business by sending in the military against those who went on strike. The government was about the money while the workers were for fair practices. (Source: My mama [she’s a history teacher lol], Newsweek)
 
In the late 1800’s the average American worked 12-hours a day, seven days a week to make a living. Even kindergarten age kids were working these same hours in the coal mines and mills for lower wages. Can you imagine your 5-year-old child doing this today? I mean, I know 5-year-olds who throw tantrums because they have to color longer than they want

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to. How did they accomplish these long days??? The conditions for all were unsafe, unfair, and unsanitary. (Source: History.Com)
 
What’s sad is that not much has changed since the late 1800’s. I’m not referring to those working to feed expensive habits and tastes. I’m speaking of those working in similar situations as our 19th-century counterparts to provide the bare necessities for their families. Food, clothes, and a safe and sanitary place to stay.

So today, as we celebrate the end of summer, final BBQs, and time with friends and family, take a moment to thank God for that opportunity. Thank Him for the sacrifices made for more fair work practices in the US but also pray for those who do not experience these benefits here and across the world today.
 
We are definitely blessed. A Scripture that I broke down in chapter seven of my book, Thirty-One Reasons to Praise speaks to how we are allowed to take advantage of these rights to rest whether we are working in the public sphere or doing the work that God gave us as the church.
 
Psalm 127:2 NLT
It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.

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God has shown us repeatedly in the Old and New Testaments the importance He places on rest. We have to remember that it’s a godly thing to do and He always makes provisions when we do. We have to be rejuvenated to do the reconciling work He has called us to on a daily basis.
 
My prayer is that you incorporate more sleep and at least one day of real rest a week into your life. Not just on a holiday. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you for it. 
 
Be blessed!

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