MULLING THINGS OVER Sept. 3

It is Labor Day weekend. In the past, this weekend would be the time for unions to show their strength and their support for laborers. It would be a time for parades, corporate picnics, honoring those who are the backbone of the United States’ economy. The unions still exist but we don’t have the public displays of organization and support. We do have Labor Day, however, and it is meant to remind us of those who go to work daybyday and keep our nation strong and prosperous. No matter what job you have, it is all part of the workings of the United States of America and we are proud of you. Labor Day has also taken on a theological meaning. We recognize that God is the source of all that is. We each have individual gifts and talents given to us by God. What we do is a partial reflection of who we are. When we say the word “pharmacist,” we all have a particular face in mind. The same is true when we think “my doctor” (although some of us have several!). We become identified with what we do. Because of the talents from God we can improve our abilities and oftentimes improve ourselves. On Labor Day, we are encouraged to take a moment to thank God for the abilities He has given to us and for what we have accomplished with them. I often marvel at what others can do. Recently, Chuck, our maintenance supervisor, put railings on the pulpit at St. Francis. These are to help me get up and down the steps there. They are a masterpiece. Polished wood that looks like it has been there from the beginning, when I first saw them, I thought, “the talent that was used to make these.” They serve as a function but also a reminder of Chuck’s talent and ability to create something beautiful. We all have something at home that was made for us (or a family member). It may be a wood product or something sewn or woven or a piece of furniture. When we look at it, we not only appreciate the object but also the person who made it. A face immediately comes to mind when we see it or talk about it. I have a painting in my room given to me by a friend of mine. He painted it himself. It is the painting of an old castle in Ireland. I took a picture of it when I was in Ireland. When I look at the picture, I remember where I was in Ireland. When I look at the paining, I think of the painter and his talent to paint. The gifts and talents of others surround us. This is the week most of our grammar schools, middle schools and high schools open for a new semester. For two semesters we will be focusing on the education of our children. One of the purposes of this education is to help the student develop his or her talent. We may want to do everything; but, in the end, we know we are limited by our talents. We can, however, develop those talents to the best of our ability. Our education helps us to sift through our abilities and find our real talent. Then, it helps us train and hone that particular area of our life. I often frame Labor Day, opening of school and September with the same focus. We improve ourselves, help ourselves to help others, further train our talent, and give thanks to God by what we do. It is the merging together of several avenues of life. As you celebrate this last holiday of the summer and then begin to return to the routines of work, school and the Fall Season, remember to be grateful to God. Be grateful, too, for those who assist in the education process: teachers, faculties, administrators who commit their lives to the education of our children. Folks who make great sacrifices so that our children may be the best they can be. Thank God for the marvelous opportunities our country offers. There is an American Dream that we can be anything we put our mind to becoming. This is a dream

we can bring to reality! There is a lot of truth in this vision if we are willing to work hard, take advantage of opportunities that come our way and cooperate with the plan God has for each one of us. I find it fascinating to see the surprises God provides for us daily. We need only eyes of faith to see them. In a few weeks, the weather will turn cooler. The trees will begin their show of color. Autumn plants and flowers will decorate our homes and the roadsides. We will begin to appreciate another season and sense the movement of time and season. It is an exciting and in many ways fascinating time of year. It gives us new opportunities to be creative. We have Fall meals that we will prepare, Fall clothes that we wear, and parties different from those in summer. We begin to use our gifts and talents in different ways to serve others, please ourselves and make life beautiful. Enjoy Labor Day. Have fun returning to school. Embrace the autumn. It is all part of God’s plan. It is all here for us to enjoy. It is a continuous sign of God’s love for us!