Good Morning, Meetpastordan Readers…Happy Labor day to Y’all. I know that today represents different things to different people. For the students, it is one less day in the school week; for some people, it is a time of celebration with parades, speeches and athletic events; for many, it is a time of family activities, especially the traditional BBQ, but for all of us, it marks the end of summer. If you look at the history of Labor Day, it was created by “the labor movement” in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of the American worker, and celebrates with a day “free from labor”.
History from a different perspective tells us that “Labor Day”, a day of rest, was part of Creation and was observed on the seventh day “when God rested from his work of creation.” (Genesis 2:3) No doubt that is an example that was given to us to follow. Jesus gave us yet another perspective on “rest” when he said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” That perspective is not about parades, BBQ’s, speeches, or even family events. It is about finding peace and serenity from the toils and stresses of life, and using that time to draw closer to God.
In the spirit of Labor Day, I am going to use this time to rest and enjoy my peace and serenity. Therefore, I am going to stop writing at this point and repost my very first blog from 2013. Enjoy your “day of rest”, and I’ll be back next week.
Today Is a New Beginning
Well, My Friends….today is already a glorious day, and its only 6:00 am! I just walked in the house from my morning walk(s); first through beautiful Laurel Park with Glenn (a handsome golden retriever/chow mix) and Cliff (an adorable, ornery sheltie); then a longer excursion through our neighborhood with the love and joy of my life, Ms Pam (my wife). That is the entire Presgrave family, and I thank God each day for blessing me so richly. But today is uniquely different in another way; it is 69 degrees right now IN ST. LOUIS on September 2, 2013. Wow! That indeed is a treat!!
But as I sit down in front of my computer with a fresh cup of hot coffee, I am well aware that the new activity that really makes this a special day for me is preparing to write my first blog. I am looking forward to these postings each Monday, because I love sharing messages that are positive, up-lifting and encouraging. Today I am able to share messages of that nature, but that was not always the case (as you will see if you peruse my website, www.meetpastordan.com).
Because of the journey I have been on for the past thirteen years and my willingness to embrace change, I have been blessed today with a life that is happy, joyous and free. Since I have been given a “second chance at life”, I cannot help but share that good news with anyone who will listen. Through this journey, I have learned not only a lot about me, but also about this experience called life. Today instead of trying to hide it, I take responsibility for who I was. Now I proudly proclaim who I am in Christ. That’s the way it works…. “we believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity” (Step II of the 12 Step Recovery Program), then we reach out to share our experience, strength and hope with others.
The focus of my website is about enhancing the quality of people’s lives. I am both thrilled and privileged to be a “hope dealer” today. As the psalmist David proclaimed in Psalm 92, vs.4 “you thrill me Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done for me” The truth is….that freedom and joy is available to anyone who has the courage to “go for it”!
Is there anything that is keeping you from living life to the fullest? If yes…Take the plunge!
I’m already looking forward to next Monday’s posting!!
May God bless ya,
Dan Presgrave (a.k.a. Pastor Dan)
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