Salt water - tears, sweat, sea - cures all

This weekend we will observe Labor Day. The word "labor" can be interpreted in many ways. It may be "hard labor" such as construction, etc.; or "labor" just before the birth of a baby; or it may be mental exertion, especially when difficult or exhausting. Unless we over do it, labor can be a very satisfying thing in our lives.

There are times, however, when we would just as soon be free from labor...to have nothing at all to do. There are negatives to idleness. I like the words of Charles Kingsley, an English novelist, who said, "Thank God every morning when you get up, that you have something to do that day which must be done, whether you like it or not. Being forced to work and forced to do your best will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle never know."

There is great satisfaction in tackling a difficult job and being able to do it, whether it is a teacher helping students learn; a surgeon helping the body regain health; a carpenter building a house; an attorney putting together a strong case to help his/her client; the captain of a fishing boat attempting to keep everyone on board happy; a publisher/editor in putting together a newspaper that is interesting and informative; to name just a few of the many possibilities.

The exhaustion brought about by the "labor" helps, for the most part, in a good sleep; and emotionally, just knowing that we have done our best and that we have accomplished something worthwhile.

Isak Dinesen said, "The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea," suggesting on the one hand, work, and on the other, leisure.

May your labor day weekend find you immersed in a little sweat, no tears, and moments of leisure.