Today is Sunday. The Lord’s Day. A day of rest. A day to count my blessings. A day blessed by love. Love as blessing .
It is my brother Charles’ birthday. Charles is one year younger than me. From the age of five Charles labored for me because of my polio, far beyond what a child his age should have been called upon to do. On this day I celebrate Charles’ birth, brotherly love, care, and devotion.
I post a picture of Charles as a first grader at Ridgecrest Elementary. Because of age requirements in CyFair I.S.D. Mom enrolled him a year earlier in First Grade at Ridgecrest in Spring Branch I.S.D.
From the age of five until he served as the Best Man at my wedding, Charles was far more than a brother. He was my life auxiliary. It was Mother’s plan, and God‘s plan too for Charles to be at the same grade level I was. He could be in all my classes.
Charles could carry my books. Push my wheelchair from class to class. Take me to the bathroom when Nature called. Help me on the bus. Accompany me to school and events. Walk me across the stage to get my High School diploma. Drive me to college at the University of Houston. Be my chauffeur in my dating years. And countless other duties too many to mention.
Today I rejoice in knowing that because of Charles’ sacrifice, I am a more complete person. The weakness that polio left in me was supplanted by Charles’ strength and love.
On this day of Labor’s rest, Charles is celebrating his birthday with his children and grandchildren. He is no longer my life auxiliary. Yet, Charles remains my greatest encourager and lasting strength.
Charles, may you have the abundance of joy today that your life and love made possible for me.
To all of you who read or share this prayer and who have served so many in need for so long, I pray that you find rest from all your labors. That you may rejoice in thanksgiving for the blessings
you have received, and the love you have given others.
God has spoken in Scripture about resting from our labors.
Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Let us pray.
Dear God, on this Labor Day, please help me to relax and to be at peace in You and with You.
God, in Your peace may I withdraw from the busyness of work and walls of worry.
God, I thank You for the fruits of my labors, and for the blessings I have received from You and the labors and service of others in Your Holy name. Amen.
If you think Jack’s prayer helps you or will help someone you know, please forward it to them. Jack may never make millions selling books or writing prayers, but spreading God’s good news to others is reward enough for him.
Ann Boland, Jack’s Publicist
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