Ecclesiastes 12: 2-7
The Teacher now paints an endearing picture of our aging bodies. He has just advised his readers to enjoy their youth while they can, before the years come when we “find no pleasure in them,” “the days of trouble.” Let’s look at The Message’s phrasing.
1-2 Honor and enjoy your Creator while you’re still young,
Before the years take their toll and your vigor wanes,
Before your vision dims and the world blurs
And the winter years keep you close to the fire.
3-5 In old age, your body no longer serves you so well.
Muscles slacken, grip weakens, joints stiffen.
The shades are pulled down on the world.
You can’t come and go at will. Things grind to a halt.
The hum of the household fades away.
You are wakened now by bird-song.
Hikes to the mountains are a thing of the past.
Even a stroll down the road has its terrors.
Your hair turns apple-blossom white,
Adorning a fragile and impotent matchstick body.
Yes, you’re well on your way to eternal rest,
While your friends make plans for your funeral.
6-7 Life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over.
Life as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends.
The body is put back in the same ground it came from.
The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it.
8 It’s all smoke, nothing but smoke.
The Quester says that everything’s smoke.
As an elder, I must admit that my physical strengths are declining. Vision and hearing are not so sharp but the impact of words like “thank you,” and “I love you” still touch me deeply. I love hugs. I’m not as strong but I enjoy sitting with a grieving friend and sitting and listening to my kids report in. Listening is a blessing I can give. The freedom to have a more relaxed schedule after years of work, is great. Yes, I prefer to work out in a gym where there are people around to help if I fall but I can plug in a book and peddle away or watch the TV or enjoy the youth around me. I love waking early to the sunrise…and I have the time to enjoy its beauty cause I’m not racing off to work. I agree with the Teacher that life is precious and it passes too soon especially when loved ones go ahead. I would not wish them to linger longer in failing bodies just to keep me company. My friends and I thank God that we can enjoy seeing our kids and grandkids grow and truly we also have the time to pray for those we fear are wayward. We know the time ahead is smaller than the time behind us. Life seems to pass like smoke but it is also true that when we pass we are comforted to know we have an eternity with God.
Let us take a few moments to thank God for the years we have been given and thank God for the forgiveness we have been granted.
On the Way to Wonder 