Ah, impetuous youth. To be young again, full of life, energy, strength, and potential. As I reflect on today's passage my thoughts and mind are all over the place. As I read this chapter, my thoughts initially went to may ailing and aging father. The description of life waining, light going out, feebleness saddens me as I picture my once strong, virulent father slipping away in human frailty. It's hard to watch or imagine. It's like part of me is weakening and dying. I recognize my own depression as I witness his decline. Is this how strong, vibrant men die? As my brother noted, "It's pitiful."
It also reminds me that I'm not as young as I used to be. The days of endless strength, quick recovery and "the sky's the limit" seem to be passing me by as well. If I could go back and do it again knowing what I know now.... But a wide open life only really comes to you as you break into adulthood. Solomon is right. This is the time to carpe diem, seize the day. Not with reckless abandon or aimless folly, seize the day with intention and purpose. That's the day to gather as much wisdom from solid spiritual teachers and coaches and channel your energy into accomplishing God's calling for your life. Pursuing the worldly call as life closes demonstrates the utter meaninglessness of life without God.
In the end, Solomon's advice proves the ultimate. The richest, most powerful man of his day says, "Fear/respect/be enraptured by God and keep His commands, follow His teachings, live in His truths." So whether you're just bursting onto the scene of adult life, climbing your mountain, building your life, cresting the wave, costing downhill, or slowing to a stop, the best practice of life remains the same, pursue God with all you've got and live to Him each day.
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