27Apr
How much do you need to be happy? At what level of success will you find contentment?
For several days, I’ve moved away from Ecclesiastes, but I feel drawn back to the book. Ecclesiastes is especially relevant to us at this moment in history. We generally gauge our happiness in life on the degree of success that we achieve. Solomon observed that all success comes out of envy. (Eccl. 4:4) We see someone else doing well, and we want to have the same experience. For many, happiness is just an achievement away. For others, financial security is the gateway to joy. Work hard, and you can enjoy life!
The man who drank deeply from the cup of achievement savored the sweet taste of success, then set the cup down and said, this too is meaningless. (Eccl. 4:4) The lazy make no effort at all and win the prize of fools. Their hunger mocks their philosophy. The overachiever has toiled sacrificially, night and day, and his reward is meaninglessness. On the other end of the spectrum, the fool folds his hands, refuses to labor, and come so to ruin. (Eccl. 4:5)
“Better is one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing the wind.” (Eccl. 4:6) An old proverb, “He is richest who is happiest with the least.” During the shelter at home, essentials only, how uncomfortable have you become. What is this time teaching us about our happiness? Or, have we learned to be content in whatever our condition?
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