Summertime Blues

As Labor Day signals the end of summer, I reflect on these past months. This summer has been as full and unpredictable as any I have ever had. Exciting travel adventures spanned the globe from the arid sands of Egypt to the salty sea in Jordan, then up to the icy waters of Alaska. Throughout the summer, my stress level has risen as high as the outdoor temperatures with life demands, unexpected twists, and unruly time constraints. There were days I just wanted to be around those who love me for who I am – no judgment, no scrutinizing. Depression felt a stone’s throw away at times, with emotions circling like a Ferris wheel. The summer was dotted with life-threatening canine flare-ups, first-time highs, heartrending conversations, honored invitations, disappointing outcomes, surprising interests, and tough decisions.

But none of this stuff is new. Solomon said so in Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.”

He also said those familiar words in Ecclesiastes 3, “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: a time to give birth and a time to die.” We are reminded of that today with 9/11 conjuring up horrifying scenes of people jumping out of burning buildings. It seems death has been in the forefront this summer – even in the animal kingdom. The death of a famous eagle in California affected me in a surprising way. And then the death of a golden retriever that made the world laugh brought tears to my eyes. My precious golden mix, Geronimo, died at the same young age of 8 with cancer, too. Of course, I was saddened, along with many across the country, over the sudden passing of Dolly Parton. And then it got personal with the death of an old friend. 

My mother wants to be among these! Listening to her laments to be in heaven, I am at a loss to push her words aside. I understand their appeal.

Everything is Futile

Solomon wondered why “everything is futile” (Ecc. 1:2b), likening everything to be a pursuit of the wind (Ecc 1:14). Although he was the wisest man who ever lived, the king of Israel, and wealthy beyond compare, he had a sense of mournful discontentment. To be fair, some theologians debate whether Solomon actually wrote the sentiments in Ecclesiastes, but to keep things simple, let’s assume he did.

Borrowing from the teachings of Samford University’s theology professor Dr. Alex Kirk, we are driven by meaning derived from three facets: coherence (making sense of your experiences), purpose (pursuing fulfilling goals), and significance (feeling that your life matters to others). I’ve struggled with all three this summer at one point or another. We can become overly anxious, over-fixated on justice, and over-fixated on satisfaction. We needn’t be shocked by the evils of the world, the violation of justice, or the violation of righteousness. That’s hard to do in this corrupt political environment and societal decline. Yet there can be a blessing to injustice! Huh? God permits a certain amount to allow us the opportunity to repent. If God always did what we asked, what would that mean about our relationship with Him?

I am comforted by the Scripture, “For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil” (Ecc 12:14). I’ll give that a hearty AMEN.

Now for the Good News

Simply put, God provides us with meaning. We can choose to have meaningful lives because Christ showed us how. He provides the foundation for the question – How do we find meaning in life? Here is how Google answers the question – Meaning in life is created through intentional living, cultivating purpose, nurturing relationships, and reflecting on your values and experiences. Exactly! Now take that statement and insert “with God” after each phrase. There is your meaning.

Jesus Christ has secured all three facets of life’s meaning. Justice will happen in its perfect time. Christ did that through the cross, with the final judgment resulting in coherence. Death has been conquered, and we join Jesus by faith. Our inheritance from Him gives us purpose, making life worthwhile. Our labors are not in vain. Herein lies our significance. “Hold firmly to the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing” (Phil.2:16).

Life is good, and God wants us to enjoy it. But there is a caveat. Dr. Kirk put it this way in accordance with the concluding words of Ecclesiastes: “You won’t feel the joy of life if you don’t feel the futility of death.