Ecclesiastes 2:17 and 3:1,4 NIV
“So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,”
I have not posted in a while. Maybe that’s because I was chasing after wind…
Life seems to have become more complicated, rushed, even racing toward a future with A. I. that so many try to predict but cannot conclude with certainty. I think the preacher or teacher of Ecclesiastes knew about this deep in his bones. He knew he could be triggered—that at its core, life here on earth may not have any lasting meaning. He knew what was not satisfying. His advice is found at the end of Chapter 12: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
The preacher knew about life in this binary world. Some folks who rely on the spiritual journey trust that God is loving and forgiving even beyond our capacity to understand. This is outside the binary existence where we reside. Near Death Experiencers share their belief that Jesus does not judge on the other side. They believe that humanity is evolving into a new creation of the Golden Age where we will exist in the fifth dimension. Could this be the second coming? Maybe. Maybe not. Does it matter in the big picture? What can we rely on for day to day existence? How does our understanding of the world in the 21st century impact our meaning of life and purpose here? When what we value and trust in the world seems to be slipping away, how important is it to speak truth to authority?
All good and challenging questions! Perhaps wisdom relies upon surrender. As a follower of Jesus, obedience to the Shema makes the most sense to me. Love God and take care of neighbor are simple precepts that require a lifetime of practice. I encourage you to read the entire book of Ecclesiastes if you are fussing with the meaning of life right now.
You never know what the wind might blow your way. By the Holy Spirit of Source, I have found a noble purpose: To make time to laugh. I have proposed a new outreach ministry at my congregation call Isaac’s Comedy Club. We will gather to hear comedic storytelling and celebrate the simple joys in life that come in the fleeting moments of sharing our stories with one another. We are in this together and that is a blessing from our creation. Laughter is neither good nor evil, it is just our honest response to the moment we share together. Now that is authenticity for humanity, wherever we may end up tomorrow!
So I invite you if you are in the greater Dallas area to join me in an hour of comedy at Isaac’s Comedy Club on Oct 18, 2025, located in Fellowship Hall of King of Glory Lutheran Church at 6411 Lydon B Johnson Freeway, Dallas, TX 75240. Doors open at 7 PM and the show starts at 7:30 PM. Text “Isaac” to 972-661-9435 to get your ticket. And bring a friend who really needs to laugh.
May I suggest:
- When you are getting triggered by some news story so that the hair on your back of your neck begins to rise, take a deep breath, count to 10 and read Ecclesiastes.
- Find an organization or group that is working to speak truth to authority and see where you might fit in with meaningful purpose.
- Choose an outlet that brings you joy. Find a hobby or interest that you can enjoy doing.
- If you can’t come to Isaac’s Comedy Club, watch comedians on Netflix to help you exercise those laughter muscles.