There’s a passage on the last page of Ecclesiastes that reminds us to remember the One most important to remember while we’ve still got something to remember with.
Got that?
The author uses all manner of symbolic speech, some of which we can understand, the rest just by gist.
(Of course, we never use symbolic speech.)
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them.”*
Okay, that’s clear enough, and fair warning. I’ve seen where long life doesn’t seem so much a gift in later years when pleasures are gone.
He continues:
Before the light of the sun and moon and stars grow dark, like, don’t wait until you’re blind before you start looking . . .
and the clouds return after the rain, when one season of dreariness is followed by another and setbacks follow setbacks . . .
when the grinders cease because they are few, when food holds little interest and there’s little to chew with if it did . . .
and when the doors to the street are closed and those looking through windows grow dim, when you’re not able to get out, and nothing’s worth pursuing anyway . . .
when men rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint, when it’s the middle of the night and sleep won’t return, or when hearing gets harder and harder . . .
when men are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets, like when your height is barely five feet, the hip can break and down you go, every step’s a hazard . . .
when the almond trees blossoms, meaning the hair turns white and then falls out . . .
and the grasshopper drags himself along, meaning, maybe, the joints are stiff, the frame is bent, and there’s no more jump in the jeans.
Well, maybe that’s what it means. It’s all symbolic, given to get us to take most seriously the most serious thing before the jig is up, the bucket’s kicked, the dust is bit, the chips are cashed, the farm is bought, the Grim Reaper met, the ghost given up, you’ve breathed your last, taken your bow, you’re six feet under, pushing up daises, and your body is food for worms.
Did I say we don’t use symbolic speech?
To be more concrete, to date, 99,000,000,000 people have died.
The mortality rate is still 100 percent.
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.
Your graduation date is scheduled.
Do your homework.
___________________
*Ecclesiastes 12:1-7
Next: Kings and Fools Switched. Coming Monday.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:01 am
In anticipation of discussing it with wome friends in a couple weeks, I am reading ‘Souls in Full Sail’ by Emilie Griffin and published by IVP. She addresses old age and end-of-life issues there…and well. Check it out.
9:55 am
So I guess we should “paint while we can still hold the brush”…thank you Hyatt, this one means a lot for me. One of your best.
9:58 am
As long as we’re on to recommended reading, a must is “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn. This is on my top 10 reads in this lifetime. His insights and Scriptural integration of thoughts heavenward make the life to come (the longest part of our life, BTW) not only sensible, but terribly inviting. And, like you say, Hyatt, something worth considering now while we have a degree of clarity.
10:10 am
I agree with Scott… One of your best. Thank you!
11:09 am
Thank you, Hyatt. So good.
Yes, the days are long but the years are short.
Actually, sunrise, sunset… growing closer together. I open the shades and shut them again in what seems like a few hours.
11:55 am
Thanks Hyatt. Fun to read, good to consider!!
1:35 pm
Amen.
2:00 pm
If I keep re-blogging yours, I won’t have to blog myself. Thanks again for this great commentary on life here, while we have it. I’m now viewed as one of the “olders” in our women’s group. Ah, well, they better listen to me, then…
2:18 pm
Yes! Perfect! “Do your homework!”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) So perfectly stated again! Also, I loved the phrases explaining when the end is near! So funny, Hyatt, but so true! Blessings! Lisa PS I am going to get that book “Heaven” by Andy Alcorn! Thank you, Norm! Sounds wonderful!
3:49 pm
Thanks for the reminder; as if I really needed it to remember that I am growing older, not just with each birthday, but with each day. I agree that this is one of your best.
6:31 pm
Thanks, Hyatt, for making me think again. When time is limited, choices must be made. Wisdom aids in making better choices. So, when we leave this limited life and Time itself behind, will we still need to make choices? Or will there be opportunity to do every good thing in Eternity? Maybe the choices then will only be as to what to do first rather than whether to do this or that. Guess we’ll find out, won’t we? Excuse me, I have homework…..
8:51 pm
Love the way you continually shake us up Hyatt! If we only lived like today was all we had – what freedom we would enjoy – only focused on the stuff that really matters. The more I walk in sync with the Trinity, the more I enjoy the present part of eternity I am living…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in h…!
7:26 am
I think of snow. In my youth an opportunity for forts, and snow ball fights, and sledding. In my middle age, a burden of shoveling, scrapping, and getting stuck. As I get older, a reason for anxiety, in twisted ankles, broken hips, and traffic accidents.
All true and all reflective of stage of life. My challenge is not to let fear overtake fun. Throw the snow ball with a solid pair of boots on. Cheer the kids as they careen down the hill side (even if I make them wear a helmet).
Eccl is always a good reminder to enjoy what there is to enjoy while it is happening, because there is no other time than the present.