Your Holy Labor for Labor Day
Work, pray, love—and birth (sorry, Elizabeth Gilbert)
My first two babies were born in August heat. So Labor Day often finds me musing about the work we do behind closed doors and the ordinary labor we are blessed to do.
Here’s a round-up of reflections on what we create with the labor of our bodies, souls, and minds.
The holy labor of prayer
On this holiday when we celebrate the rights of workers, I often return to these Labor Day prayers from the USCCB, written by my dear friend Genevieve Mougey.
No Unlikely Saints – A Mental Health Pilgrimage With Sacred Company: I love this new devotional on saints who struggled with mental health, written by the wise Cameron Bellm, available from Brick House in the City (who also makes the best shirts).
The Parable Retreat is now open for registration, and I can’t wait to pray with you on Sept. 23-26! Growing into a spirituality of the parables has changed my life, and Jesus’ stories of transformation are just what we need right now.
Speaking of parables, I dusted off the ol’ blog this week to make a permanent place for a round-up of resources about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. For all of you who’ve wondered how our home atrium adventures have gone, here’s your answer!
The holy labor of work
So many friends have labored to bring forth new books into the world. I got the chance to hold these brand-new babies and each is a beauty. Buy now for Christmas gifts?!
Rewilding Motherhood: Your Path to an Empowered Feminine Spirituality by Shannon K. Evans
Saints Around the World by Meg Hunter-Kilmer and Lindsey Sanders
To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers and Liturgies for Parents by Kayla Craig
Letters to Myself from the End of the World by Emily Stimpson Chapman
The holy labor of love
If you’re wondering how to start anew after a hard season (aren’t all of us right now?) check out this podcast episode with Haley Stewart and Christy Isinger at Fountains of Carrots. Our conversation gave me a boost of hope at the beginning of another uncertain school year.
The holy labor of birth
I loved this article from Agnes R. Howard on the first free-standing birth center in the U.S., the Catholic Maternity Institute: “Pregnancy and birth are not light duties women squeeze in among their normal employment but acts that take strength and deserve support.”
Check out her book Showing: What Pregnancy Tells Us about Being Human, too.
Finally, if you are about to birth (literally or figuratively), bookmark my favorite essay to send to friends at the end of pregnancy. Its wisdom speaks to anyone who feels caught in the joy, fear, and wonder of liminal spaces.
Peace,
Laura
Connect with me on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Find my books here: Everyday Sacrament | Grieving Together | Prayers for Pregnancy & Birth | To Bless Our Callings | Living Your Discipleship