Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 (The Message)
7-8 Oh, how sweet the light of day,
And how wonderful to live in the sunshine!
Even if you live a long time, don’t take a single day for granted.
Take delight in each light-filled hour,
Remembering that there will also be many dark days
And that most of what comes your way is smoke.
9 You who are young, make the most of your youth.
Relish your youthful vigor.
Follow the impulses of your heart.
If something looks good to you, pursue it.
But know also that not just anything goes;
You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.
10 Live footloose and fancy-free—
You won’t be young forever.
Youth lasts about as long as smoke.
The Teacher takes on a bit of a lighter tone now. The Message translates the word “meaningless” as “smoke.” I like that. So many of the events of our life that seem so random are like smoke that clouds our vision for a moment and does not allow us to see the big picture. It reminds of that song we used to warble, “Smoke Get’s in Your Eyes.” We think we are in love and friends try to convince us of our folly and we chase the relationship but then when it doesn’t work out we hang our head and say, “smoke gets in your eyes.”
The Teacher points out that we rejoice with the bright and sunny days but we should never forget that we will have our share of dark and cloudy days. He warns that we should enjoy our youth and live life to the fullness but never forget that God is watching and we will someday answer to him. As an elder I must agree that “youth lasts about as long as smoke.” At 10 I could hardly wait to be a teenager and 21 seemed forever away when I could drink, drive, vote and be happy ever after. My forty-four year old mother was ancient. Now I look back and thank God for the good memories and I am thankful for forgiveness for the follies of youth.
One of my favorite sayings I learned in Kenya was often used at the opening of church services. “Many longed to see today and did not. Let us thank God for bringing us here today.” In the midst of all the challenges facing us today, let us take a moment to thank God for three blessings that have been more than passing smoke and that give you hope for the future.
On the Way to Wonder 