Father, what great knowledge Solomon amassed!
It seems he did it all, and lived to write it all down for me to know how to best spend my time. Certainly he saw many things and did many things he categorized as “meaningless”.
He built grand structures, planted extensive gardens. He wrote many ”nature guides” cataloging and describing plants and animals. He enjoyed all that money could buy, withholding no pleasure from himself. But found these things “meaningless”.
He did recognize some things as having value.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” And “two will keep warm…and defend themselves.” So Father, will You always send another to be with me.
Let there always be someone in my life to help me up when I fall. And help me keep warm, and defend myself. It may be a friend or family member, or even a stranger You send at the right time. And let me be there for someone else.
“It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin.” So Father, help me let my ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and my ‘no’ mean ‘no’, and not make promises I cannot or will not keep.
Help me not be “quick with my mouth or hasty with my heart”, but consider my thoughts, feelings, words and commitments carefully.
When I think about Solomon , I wonder, did he ever hold his newborn and marvel at the miracle of life? Did he watch and help that child grow and learn? Did he pass on his knowledge and love of You to that child and see him come to love and worship You too? Did he promise his life to one person and live faithfully in that covenant; having their support and love for a lifetime?
Did he examine each animal and plant, but forget to marvel at the diversity and imagination and power of You, the Creator? Did he share his life with a friend who stuck with him through thick and thin, good and bad? And console that friend and receive comfort from them?
Did he hold the hand of a dying loved one and tell them they are loved, all is forgiven, and “I will see you in heaven?”
To me, these are the things that are most meaning-FULL. The relationships, the connections with people that You allow into my life – that’s where the meaning lies.
I agree that amassing wealth, building buildings and writing volumes of knowledge will all pass away. But loving You and sharing Your love with others – these things are eternal.
Father, help me remember, remind me, not to chase after the wind, but to chase only after You. Amen.
Daily Bible Prayer 