10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Verses 7-9 in chapter 9 of Ecclessiastes summarizes the thinking of the Teacher about the goodness of life. Epicurus, the Greek philosopher, had a very similar philosophy about life. Sometimes we call it hedonism. Hedonism is the theory that seeking pleasure and satisfaction of our desires is the highest good and goal of human life. I note there are some differences in the two theories.
The Teacher is not advocating chasing pleasure as much as doing “whatever” you might be called to do, the task in front of you. So teaching young minds and forming them is as important as teaching Bible school. The mailman who faithfully delivers the mail each day or the person serving meals to people rushing off to work are both important. Finding the joy and pleasure in our daily tasks is not the same as chasing my desires and serving self. The Teacher is focused on serving others and Hedonism is focused on self. The Teacher also sets his advice opposite death when we will no longer be working, he reasons.
So let’s think of a few things that will face us today. Perhaps divide the paper in half and think of three tasks you look forward to and three tasks that will be more like challenging. Try to think of one way you could tackle each item on the challenging list with a more positive attitude. Lord, help us to see the challenges facing us today as scenarios you will be walking through with us and as opportunities to do our best. May we not be found just enduring life but may we tackle our tasks with all our might and with your help.
On the Way to Wonder 