According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day “is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.” We celebrate this day every first Monday of September by ceasing our work and taking time to appreciate industry, ingenuity, and the ability to provide economic support for our families and communities through our labor.

For those of us who live and work on the Outer Banks, Labor Day signals a transition from the hectic summer season to the slower paced life of OBX Fall. Don’t tell our visitors, but fall is at the absolute best time to visit the Outer Banks. Crowds are way down, traffic is much lighter, and the restaurants are still open for business. It is the closest to heaven on earth one can experience if you ask me.

Labor Day always makes me think of Jesus’ beautiful words about resting from our work:

Matthew 11 (New King James Version)

²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am  gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

This beautiful invitation is especially poignant today as we hit the pause button on our usual obligations. We are offered the opportunity to cease from our work and set down all of our burdens, especially those that have been put upon us. Traditional thinking about yokes indicated a level of obligation to God’s law. But Jesus invites us to yoke ourselves to him like a young ox yoked to a strong bull ox. Our burdens are made lighter because he bears them with us in his gentle and humble way.

Are you burdened and heavy laden? Do you need rest not just from work but for your soul today? Yoke yourself to Jesus. His yoke is easy and light.

American Pie by Becca Ziegler