My kids want to hurry and grow up! I remember thinking the same thing as a kid – wishing I was older.
Getting ready for school to start next week, James doesn’t want anything that looks childish (backpack, lunch box, or bike helmet). He’s going into 5th grade and thinks his backpack from kindergarten is too kid-like. 😊
Sarah said she’s never ready for school and how nice it must be that Dad and I don’t have to go to school anymore. No, but we get to go to work everyday and still learn new things! We also use much of what we learned in elementary school on a daily basis (reading, counting, telling time, writing, etc.).
As adults, sometimes we want to hurry to the next phase of life, too. We can chase after the wind of tomorrow and miss the blessings and joys of today. I think that’s what Solomon wanted to highlight in this next passage.
Ecclesiastes
11:7-10 Light is sweet,
and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.
8 However
many years anyone may live,
let them enjoy them all.
But let them remember the days of darkness,
for there will be many.
Everything to come is meaningless.
9 You who are young, be happy while you are young,
and let your heart give you joy in the days of your
youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things
God will bring you into judgment.
10 So
then, banish anxiety from your heart
and cast off the troubles of your body,
for youth and vigor are meaningless.
Where are you and I missing the blessings and joys of today by chasing
after tomorrow? Maybe it’s the next promotion, the next “perfect” job, retirement,
the next phase with kids, more time for a new hobby, that next trip and the
list goes on. Let’s enjoy what God’s given us to do today!
