The days seem to be passing so quickly this fall. I keep ripping the pages off my calendar, realizing it will soon be time to start a new one. For days now, God has brought me back to a familiar passage about “timeâ€. I think Solomon must have felt this same passing of time when he wrote:
For everything there is a season, for every activity under heaven.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)
After this verse, Solomon starts his litany of activities for which there “is a timeâ€. Every activity common to man is mentioned. Twenty-eight activities to be exact. Some are pleasant and fun and enjoyable. Others are painful, uncomfortable, sad and to be avoided at all costs. Some we have no choice in, like our birth. Others we are all destined to do, die. And yet, in listing all of the activities, Solomon comes to one conclusion which, a few days ago, hit me to my core:
I’ve decided that there’s nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. (verse 12, The Message)
I looked at Solomon’s observation as a piece of advice. Seeing as he is known for his wisdom, this is what I gathered from his advice:
- Life is to be celebrated.
- Each day may not seem like a celebration.
- Celebrate the day you have been given.
There is only one you. Never again will there be another person with your gifts, talents, strengths, weaknesses, looks and character. This is it. You are the you that God has placed in this world. Be you. Embrace all that you are, work hard and make a difference in the environment you have been placed.
Each day, taken by itself, may not seem joyous or to be celebrated. Celebrate anyway! We must all take the good, the bad and the ugly. Open your eyes to see exactly what you are to learn from each day and experience. Today is only a small sliver of the entire scope of time. Each hardship, difficulty, pain and loss has a work to do in our lives. For His purposes. May He be displayed in the midst of it all.
There is only one today. Tomorrow, this day will be done and gone forever. Make the most of today. Seize the good you can do for someone else. Laugh a little. Cry a little, too, for it will keep your heart soft. But laugh more. Love those around you – a little bit more. And deeper too. Pursue Him with all you got. Know why?
You matter.
Celebrate the days you have been given.
Today I am joining with … Thought Provoking Thurs. and Coffee for Your Heart and Thurs. Favorite Things and Hearts for Home .
Bloom where you’re planted! I try to remind myself that, even when i don’t like my garden and wish I was in a different place. But you’re right – we need to make the most of where we are because each day is a gift.
I think those are the hardest of times to embrace the day. But even those days are a gift & I’m trying to learn that anew. Have a wonderful weekend, Kathryn!
1 Thessalonians 5:16 puts it this was;”rejoice in the Lord always.” I need this very clear command because some of the hardest times can make us doubt. Thoughtful & encouraging post here…thanks! Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia
Made the correction for you 🙂 Those are the very hardest times & the times when we must rejoice even more so. Grateful you stopped and shared. Now may I put it all into practice 🙂
This was such a reaffirming message for me, Joanne, with where my heart is at right now.
“Make the most of today.”
Last year hubs wasn’t around to celebrate His coming with me.
This year he is. Thank you, God.
I am going to make each and every day count. It’s a gift!
I decided today to take a little social media break to keep my focus on God first and then hubs and my family. 🙂
I still plan to get around to blogs I love (like yours) but relying on other methods.
Blessings upon blessings to you and yours.
Thanks for the encouragement!!
Beth, I cannot imagine the difference a year has made for you all! These days must surely feel like such a gift. May you all enjoy the blessing of each other & of our Lord in a special way. xoxo
Thanks for sharing – this post has caught my imagination – I think I often get sidetracked when reading Solomon by the number of wives he had – how could this be wise!! And I let that slant shade my readings. But none the less, he was a wise man – I need to pause and consider!
I read your comment & smiled as the thought went through my head … I, too, am foolish at times. But how I pray something wise comes out of my mouth now & then. So glad you stopped & shared with me. May you have a wonderful weekend!
I love this–“Celebrate the day you’ve been given.” Thank you for putting it that way.
Each of the days we are given will be different. Yet may we find cause to celebrate each day. Not easy but we can do it in His strength. Grateful you shared, Jenny. Enjoy the weekend!
“Each day, taken by itself, may not seem joyous or to be celebrated. Celebrate anyway! We must all take the good, the bad and the ugly.”
Your post reminds of the verse that tells us that “all things” work together for our good. Some of those things are definitely not good but when God puts “all” of them together, we see the good. So glad I visited from Coffee For Your Heart. Merry Christmas!
Carmen, He truly does do the amazing with all things. We just need eyes to see. Blessings!