9 p.m…

“Meaningless! Meaningless” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!”

Ecclesiastes 1:1

The Book of Ecclesiastes is a fascinating read. The author opens the 12 chapter book with an EXTREME positioning statement. “Everything is meaningless”. In brief, he continues with the following:

* Pleasures are meaningless 2:1
* Learning and Education are meaningless 1:12, 2:12
* Work and Toil are meaningless 2:17, 4:4
* Advancement (or promotion) is meaningless 4:13
* Riches are meaningless 5:8
* Sexual gratification is meaningless 7:26

Are not these the categories that “the world” claims to be vitally important to our personal fulfillment?

So, according to the author, what is meaningful, and what does truly fulfill us?

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

And, you ask, what does this monologue have to do with an update on Irene?

Answer: EVERYTHING.

When one has “walked in the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4) as Irene has, one is radically changed forever…and life priority alignment becomes even more imperative.

It’s not that we have to make major adjustments in our lives to be more in alignment with God’s purposes. It’s not that we have been living in disobedience to His Word. Now, more than ever before, we discuss and apply what we call right to left thinking because we now understand to an even greater degree the brevity of life.

If on the far right side is the END GAME OF LIFE and we’re now somewhere on the left side of that END GAME, the question is, “How then, should we live?” How do we “fine tune” our lives to be even more focused than before? In what and in whom do we invest our remaining time on this earth?

According to the well regarded Westminster Catechism, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him for ever.”

The book of Ecclesiastes offers great insight into what should and shouldn’t be on our priority ladder. It gives us laser beam focus to the author’s conclusion…that only a growing, dynamic and intimate walk with the living God ultimately satisfies the deepest longing of our heart and soul. This is the discovery that Irene and I made in 1980 when we became committed followers to Christ. We continue to validate the truth of this discovery daily as we walk with God and endeavor to obey His Word on this incredible journey.

My mom and dad arrived today from Modesto bearing gifts and food. Jocelyn’s friend, David Gigante, also joined us. We enjoyed a rib barbeque, some wonderful goodies for dessert and a time on the deck basking in the warm sun and comfortable bay breeze. Irene had a relaxing, restoring afternoon, followed by a nice long nap. It was a day of healing and peace. Perhaps somewhat reminiscent of what a summer Saturday afternoon has been in the past.

Is “everything meaningless”? Do you completely agree with the author of Ecclesiastes? Perhaps only partially agree? Perhaps completely disagree?

Is life futile apart from God? Is ultimate fulfillment found only in a relationship with God? I encourage you to read the book of Ecclesiastes and explore his claims and draw some conclusions of your own.

Caminando con Fé
Dave