Labor Day

The first Labor Day was held on September 5, 1882, started by the Central Labor Union in New York City. In 1884, it was moved to the first Monday in September, to honor the American labor movement, the workers, and contributions we make to the strength of our country. If you work at anything, in or outside the home, this holiday is dedicated to you. 

Labor Day is, ironically, a day off from labors. Most schools start soon after Labor Day, so many people view it as the end of summer, and the last chance for a camp-out or picnic. Our Labor Day tradition for the last 25-years has been to go to our friends' house in the country to make apple cider.

Agenda Today:
1. Journal:
Since the theme today is work, it’s fitting to reflect this morning on the deeper meaning of my work, and begin to open my mind to new work adventures and paths I could take.

What are the principles and testimonies I want to focus my life on?
What do I think constitutes “meaningful” work?

What ambitions or goals do I have for the next years of my life- what work or activity would bring me the most personal fulfillment?

How can I be of service to the world? What group or cause do I truly long to work for, be a part of, and make an impact in?

2. Review my Mission:
Yes, I have a personal Mission Statement, which I use every week to decide if the work I plan is on target. Today I will look at my Mission with a critical eye, to decide if it needs adjusting-- Is it an honest statement of what I want to do with the next several years of my life? Will it give my life meaning, and leave me feeling honorable and contented? Is it an exciting, compelling, powerful mission that makes me long to get to work every day?

(If you haven’t done the work of writing a Mission Statement, I recommend How to Develop Your Personal Mission Statement by Stephen R. Covey.)

Today I will read my mission statement, one section at a time, and test each section:

• Visualize myself doing that work to its full extent: Does that image still thrill me?
• Can I see myself affecting my world and the people in it by doing this work?
• What would make it even better? What new work adventure might I go on?

3. Make apple cider:

Making cider is laborious, but in the same tradition as a quilting bee, we turn it into an all-ages time for fun and community. 

We work together all afternoon, rotating through tasks-- cutting apples, turning the press, and siphoning off the cider (and a heck of a lot of important conversation)-- then have a fantastic potluck dinner.

My apple pie potluck contribution, with apples from my tree.