Labor Day: A Cool Perspective

   Each week, I try to take the kids to the local library's children's story hour.  Usually we start off with a story or two related to that week's theme, and some brief simple discussion about the topic.  Then we move into an activity related to what we just read.

   Last week's theme was Labor Day and careers.  The librarian read about a doctor, and a fireman, and a mechanic.  The kids talked about what they might like to be when they grow up.  We did a collage of magazine cut-outs that show people working in their trade.

   But what struck me most was the way the librarian explained Labor Day to the kids.  For me, this was always an enjoyable extra day off that often included a family picnic and good ole R & R.  I didn't think much about work on this day -- I thought about how glad I was not to have to be there!

   Miss Patty told the children that we are very blessed to live in a country where there are jobs to be had for those who really want to work and make a better life for their family.  Some countries do not offer this kind of opportunity to their people.  I realize it's a more simplistic explanation meant for young ears, but it brings up a valid and often overlooked point.  I certainly hadn't really thought of this holiday in that light before.

   Makes ya think.