What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun? For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity.” vss. 22-23
Ecclesiastes 2:18-23
Even people of faith are affected by the truth revealed in these heartbreaking words of wisdom from the Teacher. No matter who we are, and no matter what our occupation or profession, our toil will involve the expenditure of time and energy, and sometimes it will be painful. For some the vexations of the day will be regular visitors as they lie in bed at night. And then one day the toil is over and we leave our jobs, and discover to our chagrin that all our efforts seem to have been for nought. Before long we are forgotten, passed out of mind like one who has died! We’d love to say that we accomplished a lot, but retirement plaques are a poor reward for all the sweat and labor, and our children will just throw them away! If we think long enough about stuff like this, it can get pretty depressing–but we can’t deny the truth of the Teacher’s insights. So what shall we do? One answer might be to live in the present so much as we can, enjoying the delights of the moment and not worrying about tomorrow. That’s what Jesus taught, and maybe we should take his teachings to heart!
Thought for the Day: How am I enjoying my present?
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