COMMENT: Thinking about labour

As I write this, it's Labour Day. The first Monday in September of 2012. A day chosen for us by governments too afraid of International Labour Day (May 1st) to make it our own. A day, nonetheless, in which we are bidden to celebrate and acknowledge the truth that no-one of us survives without depending on the labour –the work and effort and dedication –of others.

In our home, when we give thanks before a meal, we often paraphrase words chosen by J.S. Woodsworth, a Methodist Minister who –we are told - broke with his church over their less than enthusiastic support of the movements for social change that swept Canada in the years following World War One. Elected to Parliament as a representative of Winnipeg's North End he helped found the CCF, the party that joined with Canada's Labour Movement to become the NDP. His words of grace?

"We are thankful for these and all the good things of life. We recognize that they are a part of our common heritage and come to us through the efforts of our brothers and sisters the world over. What we desire for ourselves, we wish for all. To this end, may we take our share in the world's work and the world's struggles."

In our house we often say something like “We give thanks for the food on our table. We give thanks for all those who brought it, those who planted, those who tended, harvested, transported, shaped and changed it to our use. May they and their families be so well cared for and blessed as are we.”It is our prayer of thanksgiving and intercession.

We rely on one another for life. We rely upon one another to take care, to refuse to harm, to handle each aspect and element we bring to life as if we and our families relied upon the outcome of our labour, not just the paycheque, but the product.

On this day, on any day, it is good to reflect for a moment on all who take the time and care and energy and risk to ensure that the product of their labour is a gift and a blessing to all. In spite of great pressure to forget that others can be harmed greatly by human action or lack of action, they carry on.

Labourers in the fields, in the factories, in all the places where goods are shipped and services exchanged, where food is prepared and laid out for our selection. Workers of the world, so often taken for granted, so often unremarked upon, so often dismissed without thought of life, enough pay to sustain it, or working conditions to hallow it. On Labour Day, and all days, it is good to reflect upon the gifts we receive from the hands of others. To reflect and offer thanksgiving for the love that enables the giving to continue.

Keith Simmonds is a diaconal minister in the Communities in Faith Pastoral Charge serving Beaver Valley, Rossland, Salmo and Trail.