Photo by Chris Spiegl on Unsplash
"The labor of a human being is not a commodity or article of commerce." – Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914.
After a day of rest to celebrate the value of labor and the dignity of the laborer, it is time for the laborer to return to his or her labors.
The Bible says that,
"… the laborer is worthy of his reward." (I Timothy 5:18).
In another place, it refers to
"… labor of love." (I Thessalonians 1:3)
The truth is, I am a bit tired. I spent Labor Day doing various jobs in the yard and projects in the house. I went back and forth till nighttime.
I am not sure I agree with Clayton entirely. I am not sure the Clayton Act agrees with itself.
My labor is not commodity or article of commerce of anyone else. Futures in my work cannot be traded or used as collateral. The fruits of my labors may be purchased or rented for a price.
However, my labor is my only real commodity and article of commerce for myself when combined with my ideas and thoughts. My labors of love are all I hold in my hands to trade.
The laborer labors and gets a reward, but that is not what makes it a labor of love.
What makes labor more than a commodity and article of commerce is significance. If we believe that what we are doing is making a difference and fulfilling a great purpose, hours will go by without us noticing and the time to quit will seem like an interruption. We will awaken with innovative ideas and we will be driven by passion.
We will be energized in the expenditure of our energies.
The challenge of most employers is to invite their workers to become partners in some great enterprise and to celebrate their labors as purposeful and significant. The challenge to each of us is to do the same for ourselves whether or not the boss "gets it."
Then, this return to labor will be a pleasure as it is for me.
May your day be filled with meaningful labor… whatever it is.
By the way,
Sometimes making the best of things …
… is the ultimate statement of defiance and …
… taking charge.
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