It’s Labor Day in the USA today and I’ve already re-published my annual “ode to work” post that runs each year on Labor Day, but today is a special Labor Day that has me humming that Christian hymn, “For All The Saints, Who From Their Labors Rest.”
Labor Day 2025 Reflection
It was a year ago today that my father passed away…my dear, sweet, gentle, and wise father, who I was so blessed to know for more than three decades of my life. I miss him greatly and think about him often. This morning I woke up with him on my mind.
> Read More: Farewell To My Father…
There has been more loss this year. A precious friend. A respected pastor. For others in my circle, death is knocking at the door.
Perhaps it is the season of life I am in, but this year has felt like a steady reminder that our days are numbered and our strength is finite. The hymn I mentioned is not only a song of remembrance but also a song of hope. It points us beyond the grave to the promise of rest, joy, and resurrection in Christ.
I think of my father, my friend, my pastor—not only in terms of the void left behind, but in the hope that “the strife is o’er, the battle done.” Their labors are complete. Their toil is finished. They now rest in the presence of the Lord, free from pain and tears.
And for those of us still walking this pilgrim road, the call is not to despair but to endure. Our labor is not in vain. The work continues, but it is work infused with meaning because we know the end of the story.
So today, on Labor Day, I remember those who from their labors rest, and I recommit myself to labor faithfully while it is still day.
CONCLUSION
Labor Day reminds us of the dignity of work, but for me this year it also brings to mind the dignity of rest, the eternal rest promised to those who are in Christ. As I think of my father and others who have gone before me, I am grateful for their example and comforted by the hope that the story does not end with death. For all the saints who from their labors rest, may we honor them by laboring faithfully in our own time, until our work too is complete.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on…they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.”
-Revelation 14:13
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
-I Corinthians 15:58
image: my father, brother, and me in United Red Carpet Club ORD in January 2005
It’s been more than 4 years since my dad passed and I still think about him almost daily. Keep the memories alive. Tell the kids stories about him and do something that he would enjoy. It’s not easy. I know how you’re feeling all too well.
Nice pic of your family, Matt …. Too bad it couldn’t be much lighter to appreciate its subjects though … But I imagine the quality of the image doesn’t diminish in the slightest the warmth of the memories it engenders….
Enjoy every minute with those you love. Difficult at times, but rewarding in finding peace. It is a journey you cannot fully understand until we arrive at our own end.
Prayers for you Matthew at this milestone of life. All love. Maryland
Such a wonderful post and song – thank you.
i find all saints too expensive
Then don’t look for them. I guess there is always one in the crowd
An absolutely beautiful post.
Is John MacArthur the pastor you were referring to?
Thanks for the post!
Work came before sin!
David Bahnsen has a great book. “ Full time work and the meaning of life”
Matthew,
so very glad to hear you honor your father and recognize the superiority of the lifestyle and faith he lived.
May God comfort you and give you wisdom and courage to pass along what matters to your children.
You have me a cryin”! 🙂 Miss your dad and his gentle faithful presence every Sunday– and I too think of my Dad who died July 4 –2021. Thank you for the beautiful post.
Being Anglican, those words are from one of my favorite hymns!