Contentment

Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. [Ecclesiastes 5.18-20]

1. Eat.
2. Drink.
3. Enjoy your work.
4. Accept your lot in life.
5. Receive wealth from God.
6. Receive health from God (to enjoy the wealth).

That pretty much rules most of us out (sadly). Why? Is it not because we are too busy? Is it not because our goals are ridiculous? Is it not because we think we are better than we are? Is it not because we think we deserve more?

Contentment seems to be the key here. But what is contentment? Pretty much to eat, drink, enjoy your work, accept your lot in life, receive wealth from God, and receive health from God to enjoy the wealth.

Hmmm, let me see... contentment or rat race, contentment or rat race... the choice is SO DIFFICULT!

Now, since Solomon was writing some pretty crazy things in Ecclesiastes, are we to write off the above-quoted verses as well? Or, was Solomon taking a break from the "meaningless" talk to give an insight into real contentment?

Father, somehow, it seems Solomon was right on when he simplified life in the passage above. Help me to meditate on these things and compare my life - so that I might evaluate my own motivation.