It’s Labor Day. Some of you may put an exclamation mark after that phrase. Others may put a question mark. Whatever type of punctuation you choose, those the day celebrates – people who, you got it, labor – are the heart and soul of the American Dream. The country would cease to function without workers.

Today, I would like to give a shout out to a special group of workers – those who labor with an attitude of service as opposed to those who labor for themselves. Now don’t get your tail in a trap, here. I’m not saying that workers shouldn’t be compensated well for the jobs they do. I would not want to spend hours in a classroom without that paycheck hitting my bank account every other Friday, even though I love what I do.

No, I’m talking about those who labor in paid or volunteer capacities because they have a heart to serve. Doing things for others makes their hearts sing. It refills their well so to speak. It recharges their batteries and energizes their souls.

Last week I attended the national conference for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) held for 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri. This conference is attended by hundreds of writers from all over the world. It requires hours and hours of behind-the-scenes preparation. Many of those working are volunteers as the paid staff is actually quite small.

I want to thank those volunteers and hotel workers who provide so much for conferees before, during, and after the conference. To those who plan and schedule classes, appointments, rooms, speakers, meals, worship, awards, information and registration packets, way to go, you! Much of that happens months in advance.

To the volunteers who staff the registration desk, prayer room, bookstore, and office, thank you. You make the conference run smoother and spread the love by solving problems and pointing folks in the right direction.

To the hotel staff at check-in, housekeeping, and food-service–what a wonderful and proficient group! Everything was easy, quick, and the meals were scrumptious as well as efficiently-served by smiling, kind, waitstaff.

To the sound and technology team – your job was one of the more difficult and also more important. Great work!

To ACFW’s staff and directors – this year’s conference was another lovely experience. Thank you for providing an annual reunion for me and all my writer friends. See you in New Orleans!

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