A Labor of Love

   Every year my family has a pizza party that is typically held over the Labor Day weekend. We start the preparations months in advance as we buy items needed while they are on sale. As the time gets closer we begin to consider whom to invite and how many. This is a very tedious and thought out process.  A list is created and then gets gleaned over until it is at a manageable amount of people.

   Several weeks before the "big day" there are pizza crusts that are prepared and frozen. The day before the event we do the last minute shopping for the perishable items that can't be purchased any sooner. We lovingly call this part the "shopping and chopping" as we prepare the toppings for the pizzas. This is  a very long day and it takes many hands to make the work go quickly and smoothly.

    The quality time spent with our nieces and nephew passing down a tradition that was started over twenty years ago is priceless. Our labor of love for family and friends is enjoyed in a few hours and our guests can hardly wait for the next "unique" pizza to get out of the oven to be tasted. We make pizza with unique toppings along with the standards. Our guests often question our "taste" but usually love the pizzas with toppings are not "standard" to the norm for the east coast.

    As Christians we should be willing to offer our "labor of love" to all people. How often do we feel that we could never talk to someone because of how they look, dress, or talk? Jesus' labor of love was to share God's word and works with ALL people, not just the ones the disciples felt were worthy.

    Have you helped someone in need, fed them or clothed them as Jesus tells us to in Matthew 25:35 & 36? The disciples question Jesus about when they saw him in need and he replies that when they "have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Mathew 2:40b KJV.  All of our works should be our "labor of love" to our fellow man.

     As we celebrate Labor Day may we remember God's labor of love for us. What greater gift than to give us eternal life through His Son!

     Have a Safe, Healthy, & Happy Labor Day weekend!

Elaine Campbell, MA
New Hope Counselor

                                           Elaine's unique shrimp & sauerkraut pizza!