I was really struck this morning by reading Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 in The Message Bible, by Eugene Peterson. The chapter caption/summary he chose was "Seize life!"
"Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,
Drink wine with a robust heart.
Oh yes- God takes pleasure in YOUR pleasure!
Dress festively every morning.
Don't skimp on colors and scarves.
Relish life with the spouse you love
each and every day of your precious life.
Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in
exchange for the hard work of staying alive.
Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it.
And heartily!
This is your last and only chance at it,
For there is neither work to do nor thoughts to think
In the company of the dead,
where you're most certainly headed."
I love this! You know, when I was first diagnosed, one of my closest friends asked if I was just going to quit work and stay home with my family (until I died.) Um... No? I AM GOING TO LIVE! (But I do plan to work a LOT less. HaHa!)
Some of my cancer buddies post on our Facebook group "Mantle Cell Lymphoma: The Journey", and ask about Bucket Lists. "Isn't that being irresponsible?" I say absolutely not! Make the Bucket list! Go to Italy! Eat the damned ice cream! Flash your husband! (You know who you are.)
My point is that I agree with King Solomon on this one. We get one shot at this. Some of us are sick and miserable at the moment. Others have different problems. We all have problems. All of us. Anyone that doesn't is just lying to you on Instagram. (Hint: It's just filters.)
So seek God, and then live a little. Enjoy life. Work less. Spend time with your people. Learn a new skill. Make new friends. Find a new hobby. (I am working on a book and plan to take up Russian again.) Go on adventures. And then post pictures for the rest of us!
Enjoy the new day God has given you.
Share your journey!
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