a cord not quickly broken

This week I had the pleasure to visit my sister in southern California. Among many great things, we went to church together today. In service, the pastor spoke about Ecclesiastes, a familiar tone of how life is meaningless but not a common book preached about. It was a very somber service, but I loved the heart of it. He began by giving a general outline of Ecclesiastes and how life is meaningless, our toil is vanity, and basically nothing is guaranteed to us. We believe that if we work for something or work hard for a goal, we should obtain that goal, and receive good things. Yet, it is clear in scripture and from living life for 20 plus years that, that just isn't the case. He continued just laughing because nothing we do really can get us anywhere. We aren't guaranteed anything in this life.

He then turned the service onto a different note, directing us to think about the promises we can believe in. The pastor pointed to a few verses in Ecclesiastes about not being alone, picking one another up, and encouraging one another. Nothing is guaranteed in our lives, but we have family and friends that God has placed in our lives to live in community with. We must embrace one another and celebrate in our relationships, because that is the only thing guaranteed in our lives; the relationship with people and with God. Throughout scripture Jesus is clear that we must spend time with him. He even said when he was on this earth, that the poor would always be with us, but he wouldn't be. This gives perspective of how we should embrace the relationship we have with Christ and with others.

I left service, and California, thinking about how thankful I am for you guys and other people God has placed in my life. I also redirected my focus on the beauty and peacefulness of sitting in the presence of God. This was a perfect way to begin Advent redirecting my focus on Christ and our relationship.