Thomas Edison proposed, “The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”

Although work is good and essential in both a civilized society and a spiritual community, work is not the essence of life nor is the avoidance of work the key to happiness. However, a positive attitude toward work and a healthy sense of vocation contribute to a meaningful life.

Monday September 2 is Labor Day. According to the Department of Labor, “Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday of September annually. The day celebrates the American labor movement and the contributions and achievements of the American worker.”

Unfortunately, some have misunderstood the story of the fall in Genesis to imply that work is a part of God’s curse on humanity originating in the garden of Eden. (That is a story for another day.) The Bible, however, portrays work as good and godly, an expression of human creativity and divine ingenuity.

In both the marketplace and the church, we need to claim and celebrate work as good and vocation as a valued dimension of life. Here are 10 good things about work to think about and celebrate on Labor Day Weekend:

1. We are designed to be workers. Genesis 1:27 tells us that “God created human beings in his own image.” In Genesis, God is introduced as a creator or a maker, and likewise, God created us to be makers or workers. Of course, we work to “make a living” and provide for our families. But work is much more than our earning power. Work is an expression of our giftedness and an investment in the common good of our community.
   
   
2. Work gives us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Whether we are solving problems, creating something new, or serving others, our work allows us to contribute to the world in meaningful ways. It can be incredibly fulfilling to know that what we do makes a difference.
   
   
3. We are wise to establish and maintain a healthy work-life balance. If we are not careful, work can become all-consuming. Genesis 2:2 says, “By the seventh day God finished all the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day God rested from all his work.” Maintaining a work-life is also addressed in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:8 commands, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”
   
   
4. We honor God by doing all our work with excellence and integrity. Colossians 3:17 urges, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Martin Luther insisted, “The Christian shoemakerdoes his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.” 
   
   
5. Work provides the means to take care of ourselves and our families. It allows us to meet our needs, plan for the future, and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Financial stability brings peace of mind, and it comes from the dedication we put into our jobs.
   
   
6. Work promotes personal growth. Work pushes us to learn new skills, face challenges, and grow as individuals. The obstacles we overcome and the experiences we gain in our jobs often shape us into stronger, more capable people.
   
   
7. We are called to be co-laborers with God and each other as we work to fulfill God’s mission. Throughout the course of our lives, much if not most of our work in the marketplace and in the church will be teamwork. In I Corinthians 3:9 Paul instructs the new believers that, “We are co-workers in God’s service.”
   
   
8. Great things are accomplished when God’s people commit to a strategic vision and mindset. Effective work requires focus and determination. For example, as the wall of the Jewish temple was being rebuilt in 444 B.C., the feat was accomplished, according to Nehemiah 4:6, because the people had “a mind to work.”
   
   
9. We usually find our vocation or our calling as we discover and live out our passion. Frederick Buechner contended, “Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.” 
   
   
10. The effectiveness of our work cannot be measured by how quickly we see results. Sometimes we see the fruit of our labor and sometimes we work believing the next generation will be blessed by the fruit of our labor. Robert Louis Stevenson advised, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”

If you have a place to live, food to eat, someone to love, and a good work to do, you are among the most blessed people in the world. Eric Hoffer deduced, “The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.” 

Although it can be frustrating at times, yet rewarding at other times, work is a privilege never to be taken for granted. It’s more than just a paycheck—it’s a source of growth, purpose, and provision.

(Barry Howard serves as pastor of the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. You can follow him on social media at @BarrysNotes.)

In describing the fluctuating seasons of life, Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us there is “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

Orson Scott Card contends, “Life is full of grief, to exactly the degree we allow ourselves to love other people.”

Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience, an emotional upheaval that accompanies loss. Whether it be the passing of a loved one, the end of a cherished relationship, or even the loss of a job or a dream, grief manifests in various forms throughout our lives.

From her own family journey, Patti Davis acknowledges, “It takes strength to make your way through grief, to grab hold of life and let it pull you forward.” How do we find that strength when we are called on to say goodbye to someone we love?

Despite being a universal emotion, it is often one of the most difficult to discuss openly. In a society that tends to avoid uncomfortable topics, having honest conversations about grief becomes essential in fostering healing and understanding for those who are navigating the journey through grief.

Grief is a multifaceted and complex emotion. It can be unpredictable, chaotic, and different for each individual. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize that there is no “right” way to grieve. Some may experience intense emotions immediately, while others may take longer to process their feelings. There is no timetable for healing, and individuals should feel free to grieve at their own pace without judgment or pressure.

Here are a few reflections and suggestions from my experience of ministering to those who are grieving:

• Acknowledge your grief. Do not keep it bottled up deep inside. Society has ingrained the idea that grieving should be done privately, behind closed doors, making it challenging for those experiencing grief to share their pain with others. This lack of open dialogue can lead to isolation, feelings of loneliness, and a reluctance to seek support. It is crucial to encourage open conversations about grief and break the silence surrounding it. Richard Rohr advises, “As any good therapist will tell you, you cannot heal what you do not acknowledge, and what you do not consciously acknowledge will remain in control of you from within, festering and destroying you and those around you.”
• Call on the resources of your faith and faith community. Although faith does not exempt us from grief, faith does equip us to grieve in healthy ways. Grief is tremendously tough for those who are grounded in their faith. Grief can be devastating to those with no faith foundation and no community of support.
• Empathy and respect are essential. To engage in honest conversations about grief, empathy is the key. Understanding and acknowledging the pain of others without judgment allows for a deeper connection and a more supportive environment. Grief can be overwhelming, and simply having someone listen and validate one’s feelings can make a significant difference in the healing process. Phrases like “time heals all wounds” or “they are in a better place” may be well-intentioned, but they can be dismissive of the individual’s pain. Instead, offering a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a simple “I’m here for you” can provide immeasurable comfort.
• Provide the grace and space for others to grieve. This is one of the greatest gifts you can give to a grieving friend or family member. Honest conversations about grief create safe spaces for people to express their feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. It encourages active listening and genuine engagement, enabling the bereaved to share their stories openly. Such safe spaces can be organized, like support groups or counseling sessions, or casual, just conversations among close friends and family.
• Help destigmatize grief. The societal expectation to “stay strong” and “move on” often leads to the stigmatization of grief. Honest conversations about grief help break down these barriers and create a supportive environment for those who are suffering. When people feel comfortable sharing their experiences, they find solace in knowing they are not alone, reducing the burden of their grief.
• Encourage professional help when needed. While conversations with friends and family are essential, some individuals may require professional help to process their grief fully. Honest discussions about grief can also include gentle encouragement for seeking counseling or therapy. Trained professionals can offer specialized support and tools to navigate the challenging terrain of grief,
• Offer support, not advice or explanation. Supporting someone going through grief is not about trying to fix their pain; rather, it is about being a compassionate presence. Here are some ways to be supportive:
  1) Be present: Offer your presence and companionship without judgment. Sometimes, a silent presence can be more comforting than words.
  2) Listen actively: Give the bereaved person space to talk about their feelings, memories, and experiences. Listen attentively and avoid interrupting or imposing your own opinions.
  3) Validate their emotions: Let them know that their feelings are valid and that it is okay to grieve.
  4) Offer practical help: Assist with daily tasks, such as preparing meals or running errands, as grief can be emotionally and physically exhausting.
  5) Avoid imposing timelines: Not all friends and family members grieve at the same pace. Recognize that grief is a personal journey and allow the individual to process their emotions at their own pace.

Honest conversations about grief are essential for promoting healing and understanding among those experiencing loss. Breaking the silence and providing a safe space for individuals to share their pain can help dispel the stigma around grieving and foster a supportive community. Empathy and active listening are essential in supporting the bereaved during their journey through grief. By embracing the reality of grief and offering a compassionate presence, we can help those who are grieving feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate the complexities of loss.

Sarah Bessen suggests, “Grief can be a burden, but also an anchor. You get used to the weight, how it holds you in place.” That is the goal of healthy grief, to gradually lead us from the emotional tumult toward a place of stability.

(Barry Howard serves as the pastor at the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches.)

(This is a revision and update to a series of articles under the topic “Honest Conversations About Grief.)