Gazette.Net: Celebrate all workers during Labor Day

Just the other day I was listening to the radio and I heard a commercial for a bathroom remodeling service that says they are passionate about bathroom remodeling. We live and breathe this stuff, the fervent voice proclaimed.

For a fleeting moment, I had a vision of bathroom remodelers joyously breathing in plaster dust as they replaced old rotting drywall with fresh new green board. And I asked myself, Who, for crying out loud, is passionate about bathroom remodeling? A person might be passionate about playing Rachmaninoff on the violin, or about windsurfing, or about collecting 19-century pre-Raphaelite prints but bathroom remodeling?

Then I thought again. In fact, I think there are many people who are deeply committed, even passionate, about the simple and ordinary work they do in the world. Teaching students how to use punctuation correctly so their writing makes more sense. Fixing broken cars so people can get where they need to go. Maintaining lawns and gardens so people get more enjoyment from their home landscaping. Repairing computers so people can do all the things people do on computers. Taking care of kids ones own or other peoples so they grow up to be decent and responsible human beings.

We all love to read stories about people whose work is glamorous, exciting, challenging or unusual, and many of us feel envious of them. But in reality, most of the work of the world is rather humdrum and unglamorous but still important. Having had a bathroom remodeled in my house, I know how much more pleasant life is without the moldy, old caulking, the rusty fixtures, the crumbling plaster, the rotting woodwork.

So thanks to that bathroom remodeling company for being passionate about its work, and thanks to everyone else who is passionate about theirs.

Savage Community Association meeting

Because of the Labor Day holiday, the Savage Community Association will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 4, instead of Monday. The usual meeting day is the first Monday of the month. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Carroll Baldwin Hall, 9035 Baltimore St., in Savage. All residents of Savage and nearby areas are welcome to attend. The group will be planning its upcoming fall food drive and other community activities.

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Gazette.Net: Celebrate all workers during Labor Day