“I commend the enjoyment of life because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” Eccles. 8:15
Heavenly Father, thank you for being honest about life between the resurrection and return of Jesus. Until the Day of “all things new,” everyone carries neediness, brokenness, and frustrations. “Toil,” thorns, and weeds will remain with us “under the sun” until Jesus returns. And yet you intend joy to be our traveling buddy, all the way into the new heaven and new earth. You’re always loving, blessing, and reminding us that beauty gets the last word, not brokenness. Here are some of my favorite ways joy shows up in the passenger seat.
It’s the little “Abba-gifts” we didn’t see coming—unexpected “grace-bombs” you drop on us at just the right time: Pop-ups of heavenly kindness like oasis-conversations with old friends. Snort-producing laughter generated by our kids and grandkids… Daffodils blooming out of season… the “tightline” and joy-rush of a big fish that took our bait… Watercolor paints drying prettier than our skill set… Four hours of sleep that felt like ten… An old song reminding us of a sweet memory… Reconnecting with a spouse or friend after a silly “tiff”… Our taste buds break-dancing in our mouths as we bite into our favorite dessert. There’s so much more, SO many ways you bless us in our toil and longings for Home. Thank you, Abba.
You really are the God from whom all blessings flow—not just ooze or drip. Life “under the sun” is enjoyable–not merely doable and endurable, because of the life you’ve given us in your Son. Thank you, and So Very Amen.