There is a popular song from the late 60’s that is based on Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. It was performed by The Byrds, titled, ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!”, lasting 11 weeks on Billboard’s Top 40. You can hear it here: Turn!Turn!Turn!
During a time that is remembered for free exploration of pretty much anything, it is touching to note that a song, containing (almost verbatim) scripture, by a secular band, was as popular as it was. Hope can always be found in scripture, and I think that is why this song was so attractive during this unsettling, and transitional, era.
The book of Ecclesiastes was written (they think), by King Solomon. He wrote it as an older man, looking back on his life, sharing what he learned. His intent was to share that life was meaningless without God, (much of his life was apart from God.)
Today, I read Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, and thought about the seasons of our life. How there really is a time for everything, the good and the bad.
In verses 9-13, there is an, interesting at first, what appears to be, dichotomy of dissatisfaction and satisfaction. Verses 9-11 says, “What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
“He has set eternity in the human heart.” In doing this, we discover that there is a restlessness, a yearning, that makes us long for SOMETHING. We begin to amass items, and experiences, relationships, and knowledge. All to satisfy. Yet, because God set eternity in our hearts, at some point, we come to realize that nothing on this earth can fully quench this yearning. Our hearts remain restless and searching, until we find our home in the One who made us.
But, the author goes on to say in verses 12-13, “I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” The author encourages us to recognize that we have the gift of eternity in our hearts. He continues to say that we also have the gift of enjoying the fruits of our labor. To receive these with a grateful heart, and recognize them for the gifts they are. God wants us to enjoy life! When we focus on God, we focus on His blessings, not our material accumulations.
I am writing this on Labor Day, a holiday we celebrate to honor all who labor/work. As I write this, I give thanks to the God who provides for ALL my needs. To be able to rest and enjoy the fruits of my labor, is truly a gift!
Addendum: I love this when this happens- After posting this earlier this morning, I then read a devotional with the boys at Our Daily Bread, and look at what was at the end of the devotional…
There is a longing in every heart that only Jesus can satisfy.
AMEN
found your site when searching the web for soup / can racks. Can you direct me how to find the Jumbo Magazine racks?
-Amy
HI Amy, It’s been so long, I don’t recall where I bought them. I am 80% sure it was Staples. Here is a link to one similar, although it’s out of stock. http://www.staples.com/Staples-Black-Plastic-Jumbo-Magazine-File/product_718128
I hope this helps. Still use them to this day. I have multiple ones and store soups, beans, (each bean gets its own file), tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.