What's the Point? - Karen Toews

I've been reading in Ecclesiastes. I didn't particularly decide to read this book right now, it's just where I'm at in my devotional bible-reading. This pointedly honest and somewhat despairing commentary on life is hardly an uplifting study for launching into a new year. However, I have been open to what God might be speaking to me through this Old Testament author (some scholars suggest it was Solomon), as this book must have been included in the scriptures for a good reason.

Call it a twisted version of inspiration for 2011 or my dose of "this is the real world, girl" - here are some of my January meditations.

"I accomplished some great things......But when I turned to look at all that I had accomplished and all the hard work I had put into it, I saw that it was all pointless. It was like trying to catch the wind. I gained nothing from any of my accomplishments under the sun." 2:4a, 11 NIV

"I saw that there's nothing better for people to do than to enjoy their work because that is their lot in life. Who will allow them to see what will happen after them?" 3:22 NIV

"You learn more at a funeral than at a feast - After all, that's where we'll end up. We might discover something from it." 7:2,3 The Message

"So I recommend the enjoyment of life. People have nothing better to do under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy themselves. This joy will stay with them while they work hard during their brief lives which God has given them under the sun." 8:15 NIV

"Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it, For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed." 9:10 The Message

"Words from wise people are like spurs. Their collected sayings are like nails that have been driven in firmly....People never stop writing books...Fear God, and keep his commandments, because this applies to everyone, God will certainly judge everything that is done. This includes every secret thing, whether it is good or bad." 12: 11a, 12b, 13b, 14

What am I trying to accomplish and why? I can become a better person through sorrow and pain. Enjoy life. Work with gusto while I'm still able. Fear God, keep his commandments, and write with wisdom.

There is a point.