Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 4 – 6
But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless — like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. – Ecclesiastes 2:11
I must confess I have had moments when I have asked God what the purpose is in this repetitive life. I have found myself wrapped in self-pity and despair, more focused on what I did not have than on what I did have. Have you been there? Have you found yourself half happy and half mourning? Have you spent time dreaming about what could be, instead of soaking in the blessings of what is?
In 2011, we moved to Dallas. The Church was wonderful, the schools and community were great, and the food was delicious. God blessed us with a beautiful home with a small pool in the backyard. Life was good, but life in Texas meant we were far from family and that my job with Living Alternatives would soon come to an end. I loved our life in Texas, but missed family and friends, and I dreaded the coming loss of my job.
In 2012, God moved us back to Illinois. We were close to our family again and I was able to keep my job. God was richly blessing our family and we were happy, yet we were all missing our Texas friends. I was mourning the loss of the role of the pastor’s wife and struggling to feel at home in our new church. I was surrounded by gifts from God, yet had my Ecclesiastes-moments of feeling sorry for myself. I grieved what I did NOT have.
Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless – like chasing the wind. – Ecclesiastes 6:9
WHY DO WE FEEL SORRY FOR OURSELVES WHEN WE ARE SURROUNDED BY GOD’S BLESSINGS?
God is SO good and SO generous! Why do we fail to recognize the pleasures in life that come straight from the hand of God? God has made EVERYTHING beautiful for its own time. There is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy this life! No looking back at what we have lost or looking down at what we are missing. No, let’s look around at all our blessings and look up in gratitude to the source of those blessings!
It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life — this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. – Ecclesiastes 5:18b-20
GOD HAS MADE EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN HIS TIME.
In 2021, we once again packed our belongings and this time we moved to Kansas City. We hugged our family and friends, said our goodbyes, and we moved 300 miles away. This time, I made the conscious decision to find joy in this next chapter of our lives. I looked back and saw how each season of our life was full of God’s blessings, and I decided to look ahead in anticipation for the evidence of God’s goodness in what would become our Kansas chapter.
When we moved to Kansas, the Lord gave me a word — stay light on your feet. I pondered the meaning behind those words and the Spirit brought them back to my mind over and over again. We began thinning out our possessions once more and then gave the Lord a quick YES when we felt Him moving us to Indiana for a season. Moving is hard; leaving friends behind is painful. Honestly, I still have moments of feeling a little homesick for what used to be, but I am trusting in the Lord who daily leads me.
I AM TRUSTING THAT GOD IS GOOD AND THAT LIFE IN THE CENTER OF GOD’S WILL IS GREAT!
Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny. – Ecclesiastes 6:10
Father God, we thank you for the many gifts you give us so generously. Forgive us for the moments when our focus is on what we don’t have, or our minds wander to what we wish our life could be. Thank you for the opportunity to learn this morning from King Solomon, in all of his wisdom. Help us to relax in YOUR plan for our life – to trust you with yesterday, today, and tomorrow. May life be about pursuing your perfect plan rather than chasing after the wind. Plant eternity in our hearts and give us eyes to see the grand scope of your plan. May each day be lived for the glory of God. Amen.