I’m getting it.  What a cold or worse the flu?  Not quite.  I’m looking at a book of the Bible that causes many to scratch their heads, perplexed and stymied.  Some eventually throw in the towel and give up.  Others skip it totally.  Yes, smarty-pants, since you’ve read today’s title, you amazingly figured out that I’m referring to Ecclesiastes.  Go to the head of the class!

Recently it’s message is beginning to sink in.  I always pray for the Lord to give me His wisdom and understanding as I read my Bible.  Without His help, might as well leave it to gather dust on some upper shelf.  So, I ask Him.

In addition, I don’t sit around with head in the clouds waiting for the fog to clear and some light to go on.  No, I read the notes included in my study Bible, check out commentaries, and use my computer to assist.  You can, too.  The Holy Spirit plus hard work.  A winning combination!

So, what’s starting to make sense?  This book’s author, most likely King Solomon near the end of his life, broods over wealth, family, pleasure, seeming pointlessness of life, the reason for our being.  When he boils it all down, he concludes that– ‘…there is nothing new under the sun’ (Eccles. 1: 9).  And that all is– ‘Meaningless! Meaningless!  Everything is meaningless’ (Eccles. 1: 2).

Can’t win for losin’.  Not a ghost of a chance.  Why try when the outcome is a big fat zero.  Might as well fold your hands and die.  Not what old Solomon says at all.

Could be, though, if all you want out of life is striving and accomplishment.  Like writing books and devotionals to put someone’s name up in lights for multiple generations.  Me…me…me.  ‘Remember Grant, remember Lee; to heck with you, remember me’ (from my 6th grade autograph book!).

Desiring prideful, lasting success will only dump us on history’s scrap heap.  A few generations out and I’m just a name on a line on some family tree.  You too.  Ecclesiastes pushes us to get over ourselves.

As in being content with whatever the Lord has in mind for however long He allows.  Being satisfied with His blessings.  Counting them.  Mulling them over.  Maybe being happy.  Maybe.

This life flies by so fast.  Through our hands like greased lighting.  So, don’t hold on so tight.  Open-handed is best.  Enjoy.  Have fun.  Why not?  After all, Ecclesiastes says to– ‘…to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work–this is a gift of God.  He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart’ (Ecclesiastes 5:19-20).

That’s it!  I’m starting to get it!

Father, for the joy of knowing Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we thank you.  Amen.