What is Labor Day?

This coming Labor Day, I’ll join hundreds of voices that will be raised in celebration of workers… workers like my gardener who plants flowers, like the construction worker building a house, like fellow teachers getting ready for the return of students, like my office manager who keeps me pointed in the right direction, like the nurses on a midnight shift and more.

Labor Day isn’t just a three-day weekend—it’s a celebration of the dignity, creativity, and purpose that work brings to our lives. Work is more than a paycheck; it’s a chance to contribute, to build, to shape, and to serve. Whether we use our hands, our minds, or our hearts, each of us can make a difference. 

Work is a four-letter word…a gift. It challenges us, connects us, and helps us grow. It allows us to discover our strengths, share our talents, and create something lasting. On Labor Day, we honor not only the labor of others but also the joy and privilege of being able to put our energy into something meaningful.

So today, let’s pause in gratitude—for the jobs we have, the opportunities ahead, and the chance to do work that matters.