Monday Mentionables: What We Can Learn By Observing Labor Day (Every Day)

To all those who reside in the United States, Happy Labor Day! Here's an official definition of what today is meant to observe:

In the United States, Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of their country.

So no, it isn't a day for sales in the stores (though undoubtedly people will rush to those), and it isn't a resting day off for those who labor - although that's a nice way to think about it, isn't it?  In fact, it's a tribute to the hard work that people do every day, often without thanks, sometimes without wages that really equal the job done.

Here's to all of you today who work hard and contribute to our country's well-being. And here's to remembering that in a sense, every day should be Labor Day. Every day we should take pride in the work we do, strive to do our best, and ask ourselves whether we are contributing to the growth and well-being of our country (and I think we do that in a myriad small ways, by reaching out to the people around us, by sharing ourselves and our skills).

I'll be spending today grading papers, writing a little, and yes, relaxing, all of which I hope will make me a better worker and member of our country's labor pool. Happy Labor Day, everyone!