I’ve been reading a thought provoking book on Ecclesiastes by David Gibson – “Living Life Backward”. The book centers on death, and the perspective that death can give us if we will allow ourselves to go there. I’ll leave that particular topic for another day. For today, Gibson reminds us that one of the central themes from Solomon is that we should, actually, we are commanded by God, to enjoy the gifts He has given us. Life, sunshine, rain, a cool breeze, dinner, friendship, our spouse, and so on. We should make the most of every day with every fiber of our being. Today is a gift, life is a gift. We are to live live with joy and enjoy what our Creator has gifted us with today.

I find that distressingly hard some days. Too many times, I’m deep in the what if’s, the what could have been’s, and the what could be’s. Other times I’m wading through the to do’s, the daily tasks of life, and I miss the mark. I miss the sunrise, the clear cloudless sky that’s a piercingly bright blue. I miss the sweetness of my wife’s voice saying good morning. Often, I just miss.

I will add that this is a choice. And often it’s a choice that includes an “even though”. As I barrel head long into old age (how it hurts my shallow pride to say that), I am daily faced with the reality of what I can’t do like I used to. I am faced with friends and loved ones walking hard roads. And all of us one day nearer to Home.

Today, I choose to be grateful, to see what is right in front of me. I choose not to have the “even though” be more than the gifts. I choose not to allow the shadow of the unknown to cloud the sun outside. I choose to trust in the One who knows all, sees all, and who will bring me safely home.

One last thought. Joy is related to peace, like excitement is related to happiness. Joy and peace come from inside, they are solid, unchangeable, and based on what I know, and who I know. Excitement and happiness come externally. They are temporary, based on my circumstances, and subject to change like the wind. They never last. So today, may we all choose to see the gifts we have been given, even though. May we walk today with joy and peace, calm in the certainty of His presence, and gracefully aware of the beauty of today.

Grace and Peace