The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes: Don't Miss Out!

There is a grievous ill that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owners to their hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture; though they are parents of children, they have nothing in their hands. As they came from their mother’s womb, so they shall go again, naked as they came; they shall take nothing for their toil, which they may carry away with their hands. This also is a grievous ill: just as they came, so shall they go; and what gain do they have from toiling for the wind? Besides, all their days they eat in darkness, in much vexation and sickness and resentment.
This is what I have seen to be good: it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of the life God gives us; for this is our lot. Likewise all to whom God gives wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and find enjoyment in their toil—this is the gift of God. For they will scarcely brood over the days of their lives, because God keeps them occupied with the joy of their hearts. ~ Ecclesiastes 5:13-20

Don't fear death, fear the un-lived life. ~ Natalie Babbit, Tuck Everlasting.

For I am haunted night and day
By all the deeds I have not done;
O unattempted loveliness!
O costly valor never won!” ~ poet Marguerite Wilkinson

"Meaningless" is another word often used rather than futility or vapor or smoke in Ecclesiastes. And as you read this first paragraph, the meaninglessness of riches becomes apparent. "
You come in with nothing. And you go out with nothing.
You can't take it with you.
And so, says the teacher, this is what is good: to enjoy what you have when you have it.
To be savor the gifts of your life.
To enjoy relationship and companionship.
To share a meal and drink and gather together.
To make the most of opportunities presented to you.
It can seem incongruous. Sometimes, we receive something and yet once it comes, we often look immediately for the next thing.
But paradoxically, sometimes we don't take advantage of the next thing because of our attachment to something else and so we miss out on what could have been.
Is there something you have already that you've ignored because you want to focus on something else? Is there a  person you care about but haven't connected with in a while?
Or is there something or someone that has come your way that you've put off focussing on because of what's already happening in your life? A group you've been wanting to be a part of; a class you want to take; a party you've wanted to throw; a person you've met that you want to know more about? 
Is there something or someone that you can enjoy now? Make the most of?
Celebrate?
Find joy with?
Is there something you've been missing out on that you should be taking advantage of now?
You have this moment. 
Make the most of it!

Prayer: Holy one, open my eyes and heart to what and who is before me and the possibilities of them so that I don't miss out. Amen.

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