Read Ecclesiastes 2:24-26, Ecclesiastes 3, and Psalm 149.
We focus all year, every day, all day on the passing of time and what comes next in our schedules. Do you take time to personally seek joy in recognizing God's grace in your life? In what ways can you reflect the joy you've found through your interactions with others?
Paul wrote, "of the time and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." In these precious moments that we share here and now, let's "comfort" and "edify" each other, "rejoice" together and "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:1-17). As "children of light," we can spread light through how we live our lives daily, making effort to treat others with brotherly love and respect as Christ exemplified during his time in the flesh on this earth. Although we experience various levels of stress throughout the day, we can intentionally bring joy and peace with us into every situation that we encounter, in turn, influencing students, colleagues, and community members who are also coping with life's stressors. A smile can go a long way!
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrote of a time he hated life, explaining, "Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Yea, I hated all my labour...." However, in his writing, Solomon concludes, "There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God." As followers of Christ, we certainly are not promised an easy life to live, but through God's wisdom, we can have peace and happiness in this life.
We have a mission set before us to share these treasures with those around us. As educators engaging in labors of love for students, colleagues, and community, we have ample opportunities to invest in others and exemplify what it means to live with a joyful, thankful heart. Acknowledge the good in life. Through the Psalms of David, we know that "the Lord taketh pleasure in his people," so as his people, let's rejoice and "enjoy good." Let's make "time to dance!"
PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for reminding us of the joy that can be found in laboring for your kingdom as we progress through the natural seasons of life. Please guide us to seek out joyful moments and to be intentional about serving others by bringing with us a peaceful demeanor in the face of stressors that we encounter. We serve you and ask for these blessings in Christ's name. Amen.
