Ecclesiastes 6

If any of you know me, you know that 2 years ago my father died from Multple Sclerosis. The last decade of his life he was almost completely bed-ridden and needed help with everything. It was one of the most disheartening experiences in my life to watch him deteriorate. I would not wish that on anyone. My mom had it the worst. She cared for him in the most loving and devoted way possible - even when she knew that he could never return the favor.

I bring this up because as I read this chapter of Ecclesiastes, I recognize that I, too, have often wondered why God let my dad live (if that is what you can call that) through those years of hell. I often echoed the words of the king here:

"For who knows what is good for people in life, during the few and meaningless days they pass through like a shadow?" (6:12)

Many of my dad's days seemed meaningless. Yet, as I reflect back, I realize that my dad's existence - even during those days - was far from meaningless. He brought a joy to my life (and everyone else he came in conact with!) that I never would have experienced without that last decade. I came to know God in suffering as well as prosperity. I came to see God's presence in every circumstance and life. I came to see that when our meaning and significance lies outside ourselves, we can truly be conduits of God's grace no matter what our circumstances, health, or economic standing.

I found in my dying dad, life.

I hope you can find life in everyone you meet and I hope you can offer life to everyone you meet.

Under the Mercy,
Jason

Pleasure Gets You No Where

Eccl. 2
In this section of the philosopher/king's musings he talks of experiencing every kind of pleasure...accomplishment, wealth, wine & women. Yet after it was all said and done he realized that he would die just like the fool. So he became depressed because he could not control what would happen after he died. He reached the point where he realized that you can do nothing better than find satisfaction in knowing all is a gift from God, but even that is a bit meaningless.

I love the raw honesty and authenticity of the King. He tried it all. Every pleasure of life still left him wanting. I know this chapter is a bit depressing, but that is one thing I love about God and His Word - He is not afraid to deal with the reality of our human existence.

I wanted resolution in the chapter, but it was not there yet. I'm too used to a sit-com where every issue is resolved in 30 minutes and dramas where the test results come back during the commercial. Sometimes we need to be left hanging. It's good for us to wrestle for a bit.

The questions we must deal with:
Where do we find meaning in life?
Why be different if we all end up dead anyway?
Does my existence make a difference? Should it?
Is there purpose in life or does the world just keep on spinning and spinning...?

Since the text stops with questions, so will I...

Under the Mercy,
Jason