When I tell people what my favorite book of the Bible is, they think they know why. Yes, the book of John does have the greatest verse of all time in it: John 1:6 (There was a man sent from God whose name was John). But it's not the name of the book that I'm drawn to. It’s the light, the promise, the invitation to abundant life in Jesus that runs through every chapter.
Now, people who have read Ecclesiastes are surprised when I tell them that's my second favorite. It seems so dreary and cynical when you first read it. But I love it! I don't think the Teacher of the text is trying to drag into despair. I think he's trying to wake us up.
The book tells me to enjoy the gift that is the abundant life of Jesus.
You know the old phrase we say when someone dies unexpectedly. "You never know." We call that wisdom, but we don't always live like we believe it.
My children, the Fletchermints, are in their twenties. For years, I've told them to save now while you're young. Put a strong effort into saving for your first ten years as an adult. If you're intentional in the younger years, you'll have more freedom later when you get old--you know 30. 
But I give a caveat to that. I don't mean wait to live until you're older. Enjoy life now. Don't put joy on layaway. Fall in love with God's word and world. Travel. Laugh. Try new food. Meet new people. Take walks. Take care of yourself. Learn new things. Challenge yourself to do hard things. The old Teacher of Ecclesiastes saw it as evil that we have so much in life but don't know how to enjoy them.
No, that doesn't mean we forget what Jesus taught about possessions and sharing what we have. This isn’t about chasing after pleasure. It’s about receiving what God has already placed in our hands with gratitude and joy. God has wrapped countless blessings into my favorite four-letter word: **life.**
Don’t waste it. Live it. Enjoy it.
Stay blessed...john | 
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