Enjoy Today

On Wednesday evenings I’m teaching a Bible class on the book of Ecclesiastes. It’s been a while since I’ve taught this book, so I’m enjoying a fresh look into this marvelous revelation of wisdom.

Some see it as a negative, pessimistic, or cynical view of life. However, I think it’s a realistic view of life’s ups and downs. Challenges and triumphs. Good and bad. Happiness and sorrow. And many mysteries that even a wise man cannot anticipate or fathom.

It is a book that provides insight for living “life under the sun.” It is not a doctrinal book like Romans or Galatians. It speaks to the physical and material aspect of earth life.

One of the great questions asked is, “What is it good for the sons of man to do under heaven all the days of their lives?” (Eccl. 2:3)  Seven times in the book the question is asked and answered. Here’s what the wise man said.

“Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God” (Eccl. 2:24).

The Preacher is not advocating an Epicurean philosophy or hedonistic lifestyle. And he’s not addressing the spiritual side of our lives. Not at this point. The book will conclude with the admonition that “the whole of man is to fear God and keep His commandments” (Eccl. 12:13).

In fact, some have suggested that God is left out of the equation, until the end. Actually that is not so. God’s name is mentioned 42 times in 12 chapters.

What he’s saying is to enjoy today. Enjoy the fruit of your labor. Realize that whatever strength you have, whatever prosperity you realize, and whatever good you produce, “it is the gift of God” (Eccl. 3:13). Recognize, however, that it’s all fleeting, transitory, and passing away.

Furthermore, lasting satisfaction is not found in pursuing pleasure, obtaining possessions, or amassing wealth. Those things within themselves will leave us empty, unfulfilled, and feeling futile. So, learn to enjoy the blessing of today.

The Preacher of old learned that both the wise and fool pass away. Both the rich and poor die. And that the wealth and material treasures you’ve obtained will be left behind for someone else, who may or may not use them wisely. So, what’s the answer? Enjoy today.

Today enjoy the fruit of your labor. Don’t feel guilty for enjoying the benefits, blessings, and rewards of hard work.

It’s trite, but true. Today is the only day you have. I love the quote from the 5th century Indian author and playwright Kālidāsa:

“Yesterday is but a dream,
Tomorrow is only a vision.
But today well lived makes
every yesterday a dream of happiness,
and every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Today forget yesterday’s failures. Or tomorrow’s fears.

Today give it your best. Be your best. Do your best.

Today, in the words of Carlyle, don’t worry about “what lies dimly at a distance, but do what lies clearly at hand.”

Today, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going” (Eccl. 9:10).

Today, live with gusto. Relish whatever task lies before you. Nothing is too mundane, if it needs to be done. And do it, whether you like it or not. It will make the task easier, and more rewarding. Then savor with satisfaction your accomplishments, regardless of how small they may seem.

Today, to paraphrase Emerson, “write it on your heart that this day is the best day of year.” Because it’s the only day you have.

John Maxwell was right when he wrote, “Most of us look at our days in the wrong way: We exaggerate yesterday. We overestimate tomorrow. We underestimate today. The truth is that the most important day you will ever experience is today. Today is the key to your success.”

“Enjoy today.” quipped  author Etta Sawyerr. “It is one of the ‘good old days’ you will miss in the future.”

Enjoy today. It is the gift of God.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman