Ecclesiastes 11:1-10
Solomon gives us in this chapter a series of proverbs. The meaning of some is up for debate or dispute. For example, verse 1 has been interpreted as a reference to planting rice, caring for the poor, transporting grain on ships, or sowing seed from a boat when a river is in flood stage. Deep study would be profitable, but for now let's look at the big picture.
Most of the book has been a search for ultimate meaning by a morose and dark teacher. His conclusion is that all of life is smoke, misery, and pointlessness. But here he gives advice more along the lines of “be active doing something productive, and that will make life enjoyable.” Consider, if you will, the days of the winter months, an academic semester, or the drudgery of work. The days are short, and it's dark by suppertime. The weather is gray, cold, and wet; everything is soggy and dull. Thinking work is grim, gray, and trending toward pessimism. We slog and slug through responsibilities at work with grim co-workers.
But then there is the other side. One day spring comes; bright skies and pleasant warmth have replaced a cold winter rather than gray, cloudy days. The colors are bright with vivid blue skies, white clouds, and flowers of every hue. Rather than the company of grim coworkers or dour professors, we are in the company of delightful people. Rather than walking to class in a gray, cold mist or commuting to work to the rhythm of windshield wipers, we ride with the windows down to go on a picnic or to enjoy a pickup game of softball. Rather than come to the end of the day depleted and drained by the dark thinking and dull work, we end the day energized with joy and love of life.
It is good for us to think and work hard, but we need and must have the joy and delight of love and fun. The strength and energy of a life found in youth are fleeting. The wisdom of years comes slowly. We must have both experiences and make the most of them.
“Lord, in the dull days, moments, and seasons of life, give me the hope of the coming of joy. AMEN.”
