All is Vanity
We live our lives in a fast pace rhythm. Every day we push ourselves to do more, to accomplish more and to have more. Eventually we ware ourselves out.
Some days we manage to accomplish a lot while others we don’t. Then we beat ourselves up for not having a perfect day as we had planned. We rush from one task to another. When we do one thing, our mind already thinks about the next one. This all leads not only to reducing the quality of the work at hand but also to putting lots of unnecessary pressure on ourselves. And then what?
In the book of Ecclesiastes King Solomon writes that everything that we do is vanity. We work, we achieve success, we build, we accomplish, we earn money and, in the end everything that we accomplish, we leave for someone else to use. Everything is vanity. Why all this stress and rushing and pressure and lack of joy? All is vanity.
“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)
“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”
Solomon wrote that He understood the wisdom of life: fear the Lord, walk in dignity before Him, slow down and enjoy every single day. Be grateful, joyful and glad in doing the daily works you have to do. No stress, no rush, just joy, gladness and gratefulness. There is so much wisdom in it. Ask God for “daily manna” – things He wants us to accomplish today. They are more important than our plan.
Once you practice doing this, you will shurely notice that your daily chores become much more enjoyable than before. Don’t rush through. Take your time to do the work at hand. Focus on what you are doing at the moment, trying to find joy and be grateful. When I do so, I feel glad. I feel content. I think how I serve Jesus when I accomplish a task at hand. We work for Him and not for men or ourselves. This attitude will give you the power to do the work to your best ability. God is amazing. He empowers. He gives strength when we are feeling weak. Don’t forget to ask for help. Instead of saying “I can’t” as I used to do, ask for help from God. The Lord always helps. When you are tired, have some rest without feeling guilty and thinking that you should be doing another chore instead.
In the end of the book, Solomon wrote for us to put on our finest clothes and parfum and enjoy this day today. “Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne!” (Ecclesiastes 9:8 ).
Today is the day. The true gift. Find joy. Be grateful. Be glad in everything you do.
Amen.
Live and Rejoice.
