Labor Day
In the Shotwell household, when I was growing up, Labor Day was considered a sacred holiday. My father was a blue-collar, depression era workman, who thanked God that he had a job, and did his best to do it well. He was a carpenter by trade, had done his share of farming, but became a machinist during World War II. For the next thirty years he built airplanes, from the B-24 to the F-16. He was also a union man, a committeeman in the International Association of Machinists, the I.A.M. He challenged workmen to do their best, and he challenged management to pay fair wages and provide safe working conditions. When things didn't go well, he filed grievances. He didn't like to do that, but it was often necessary. He was a little man, but everyone knew him, some feared him, and all respected him. He thought it was his Christian duty to be a champion of diligence, and also fairness. This coming Friday, September 7, was his birthday. But Labor Day was really "his" day. He was the classic "working man."
Allen Shotwell, Machinist
My Dad's first commitment was to his Lord. I've never met a man who was a more dedicated Christian. His word was his bond, his life was pure, and he brought more people to Christ than many preachers that I know. He was firm, but loving. Committed, but not judgmental. Edna Mae said he was the kindest man she ever knew. He proved, once and for all, that other people are "called" besides clergy. He was a "tube bender," but he did it to the glory of God. Though his check came from Consolidated Vultee Aircraft, that eventually became General Dynamics, he was in "full-time Christian service." I've been a full-time preacher for fifty-two years this month, but my work has been no more "spiritual" than his.
He taught me at an early age that whatever job we have can be done to the glory of God.
We assume that Jesus was a carpenter, since Joseph was. But none of the gospel writers tell us that. They do tell us, however, what His work was. His work was seeking the lost, giving of Himself, proclaiming the truth, and relieving human suffering. My Dad did all that also.
Thank you Daddy, for living your faith in my presence. Thank you for taking on good causes, even when you didn't have to. Thank you for challenging the establishment when it was corrupt, and always showing compassion to the "little man." Your labor was not in vain, in the Lord.
Happy Labor Day!
