Qoheleth

Has a biblical narrative ever “clicked” for you? The book of Ecclesiastes resonates well with my life today. In Ecclesiastes, Qoheleth, the “Teacher” – has rhetorically clothed himself as King Solomon. As a Solomonic king he was unmatched in experience and knowledge amongst the Eastern kings. The book portrays him as an aged man who has surveyed all sorts of things that supposedly make life worth living—or give life “meaning” (pleasure, work, wealth, renown, and wisdom). He’s sort of looking back at his life and saying, “Take it from an old man—this is the advice I can give you about life.” What does he conclude after “testing” all of these aspects of life that we all think give our lives meaning? “Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!” Not quite the answer you would expect, eh? This is to say that all of these things that give life meaning are meaningless after you die…and everyone dies. It’s a sad and cruel fact that we all share a common lot: death. In other words: instead of toiling over these things you should eat, drink, and be merry and enjoy the simple things in life (while you have life in you!). This is where I am today. I’m sitting at the edge of my seat waiting to see if I am readmitted to the Master of Theology program. It’s out of my control at this point. There’s no point in toiling over the little things when it will all be washed away as soon as you pass away. I suppose, however, that it’s easier said than done! I’ve chewed my nails down to nubs. Anyhow, I hope everyone has had a blessed end of their semester. Travel safely to your loved ones. Enjoy your Christmas break!

-Dan