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A Fly’s Reminder
Ecclesiastes 9:4-12
Anyone who is among the
living has hope.(Ecclesiastes 9:4)
When I first began working in the small office I now
rent, the only inhabitants were a few mopey flies. Several of them
had gone the way of all flesh, and their bodies littered the floor
and windowsills. I disposed of all but one, which I left in plain sight.
That fly carcass reminds me to live each day well.
Death is an excellent reminder of life, and life is a gift. Solomon
said, “Anyone who is among the living has hope” (Eccl. 9:4). Life on
earth gives us the chance to influence and enjoy the world around us.
We can eat and drink happily and relish our relationships (vv. 7,9).
We can also enjoy our work. Solomon advised, “Whatever
your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (v. 10). Whatever
our vocation or job or role in life, we can still do things that
matter, and do them well. We can encourage people, pray, and express
love with sincerity each day.
The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “Time and chance
happen to them all. . . . No one knows when their hour will come”
(vv. 11-12). It’s impossible to know when our lives on earth will
end, but gladness and purpose can be found in this day by relying on
God’s strength and depending on Jesus’ promise of eternal life (John
6:47).
PRAYER
Dear God, help me to
manage my time well and enjoy the gifts of this world today. Thank
you for the promise of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus
Christ.Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and
be glad.
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of
the Mar Thoma Church
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