The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes: Work & Play

I hated all my toil in which I had toiled under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to those who come after me —and who knows whether they will be wise or foolish? Yet they will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. So I turned and gave my heart up to despair concerning all the toil of my labors under the sun, because sometimes one who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave all to be enjoyed by another who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun? For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity.
There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in their toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God; for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the one who pleases him God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; but to the sinner he gives the work of gathering and heaping, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind. ~ Ecclesiastes 2:18-26
Every occupation has its own honor before God. Ordinary work is a divine vocation or calling. In our daily work, no matter how important or mundane, we serve God by serving the neighbor, and we also participate in God's on-going providence for the human race. ~ Martin Luther


Are there days when you realize that everything you own - every shirt, piece of jewelry, coffee mug, couch, dollar bill, computer, television - will ultimately end up somewhere else? Or with someone else?
That every bit of work you do could likely a year from now be forgotten?  Maybe not, but there's a good chance you'll not be remembering that report, that survey, that presentation, the homework assignment you gave, the temperature you took, that meeting you led, that dress you sold, the order you took.
So why do you still do what you do?
To pay the bills?
Well, that's part of it, certainly.
But what in your job gives you joy? For many, sadly perhaps, the answer is nothing.
Yet is there some part of it where you can find God keeping you company?
The teacher here speaks to truth that is no different today than it was 2500 years ago. 
Nothing in this life is permanent. Every "thing" we own will fade away.
And our work may often seem to not have any impact. We may long for the day to be over and we can "eat, drink, and be merry."  
Yet God is with us in the work. Side by side.
And then God blesses us in merriment when we can sit back and relax after the day. Those moments when we can find joy in work, or find joy in celebration, are the times we remember. The times we can find God's company.
The stuff? Ultimately, it is living on borrowed time.

Prayer: Lord, today let me see you in my work and in my play.  Amen

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