Prior to 1890, the typical American worked about a hundred hours a week.

There were no required breaks; no minimum wage. Over 1.5 million children labored in the Land of the Free.

Then, about 100 years ago, things began to change. An 8 hour work day began to standardize, child labor was made illegal, and the first minimum wage of 25 cents became law. As long as people’s basic needs were met, one hour of work could afford them a little rest at the movies or almost all of a meatloaf dinner at a local restaurant.

Today, the federal minimum wage hasn’t grown along with inflation.

The minimum hourly wage is about half of what most movie tickets and meatloaf dinners cost. Unfortunately, buying a home takes the average American twice as much work as 100 years ago. Families often require two incomes today to meet their physical needs.

Work will always be guaranteed, it seems. But peace can be too.

Jesus offers rest for His children’s spirits, no matter how busy their lives get. When we take His yoke, when we lock ourselves in beside Him, we have His eyes on our conflicts, His ear close to our complaints, His hand around our troubles, and His words near our hearts.

In our busy lives, He gives us rest.