Wilderness and Meaninglessness

Of the many themes in the book of Ecclesiastes, the one that is most talked out is the theme of meaninglessness.  I have questioned this theme because I am not sure I fully understand which direction this "meaninglessness" points to.  The main idea is that life is meaningless--all is vanity.  I have asked myself, "but is life really meaningless?"  Doesn't it still matter to be a good person and live for God?  

I found stories on two public figures who have found themselves living in the bowels of life's greatness.  A Super Bowl champion, Thomas Henderson had high hopes of becoming an exceptional NFL player.  Unfortunately, this dream was shattered after developing a serious addiction to drugs and alcohol.  Henderson was also accused of sexual assault.  The resulting consequences of his chosen life led to 28 months in jail.  Another public figure, actor Tim Allen, had a problem with drugs and alcohol.  He was arrested for drunk driving and also injured a senior citizen.  Having his own father die from a drunk driver when he was a child, one would think he would not want to liken his actions to the reason for his father's death.  Sadly, his life choices showed otherwise.

Fortunately, both Henderson and Allen realized the danger of their actions.  Henderson has made a complete turnaround and has been sober for over 25 years.  He has dedicated his life to being a motivational speaker and philanthropist.  He also written a book about his life experiences.  Allen has also made a difference in his life.  He is sorry for his past and is grateful to have a forgiving family.  After finding a new reason for living, he has restored his relationship with his daughter, claiming that this new relationship fills the gap left behind from his father's death.  

From reading the experiences of these two people, you can see that life is not completely meaningless.  Life is defined by what you choose to fill it with; tomorrow always gives hope for changing what you did today.  I think if you live a wasted life without God, only then does it become meaningless.  Maybe instead we should say the things--material things--in life are meaningless; but life in itself is very important.  After all, it is all we have to make ourselves worthy for eternity.

Finding the Fork in the Road of Life

The contemporary Christian music group FFH is an example of examining one’s life and finding that it is not what is best. The very successful band composed of Jeromy and Jennifer Deibler and several others toured for ten years running until Jeromy and Jennifer decided that all the touring, concerts and fame was hurting them individually as well as their marriage. They decided it was time for a break and as soon as they had fulfilled their commitments for that touring season they moved to a small town in South Africa. Upon arriving they went through some radical changes, and a humbling process.

Upon returning from Africa they had no intent for reviving FFH, but after a series of events and the call of God, they began to produce music again. This time it was a lot different. Their touring schedule is a lot more relaxed. They have time to be a family, and use their concerts to share their story. Their music has a different message now that conveys their changed perspective on life.

As Ecclesiastes suggests, the Deibler’s found that being famous and having the world is not all it is often cut out to be. Living simply and real is far more rewarding if it is intentional and not trying to be something that is not real. Also as the Deibler’s found out, following the will of God can be a trying task, but in the end brings the best results.

The other story I found is that of Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden. These two men were heading places with their professional baseball careers, but became wound up in alcoholism and drugs. With lots of money and material pleasures their inward desires were still not being met, so they progress on towards more ‘exciting’ pleasures such as cocaine and alcohol. They attempted to hide their problems from the league, but it showed, both in their performance, attitude and most definitively in urine testing. When suspended from the games or not allowed to play the problem would perpetuate as they drowned their sorrows in alcohol or blew them away with drugs. Though they went through rehab and some lifestyle changes to overcome their issues, for a while these efforts were half-hearted and fairly unsuccessful. The lives of these men whose careers started out with such promise, but have had a downward spiral ever since reminds me of the hopelessness that Ecclesiastes discusses. Both of these men have looked to the material for satisfaction, where Ecclesiastes definitely states it will not be found. It is only through looking to God and trusting in his promises that one will be satisfied. Other methods of finding happiness are all mirages and will never provide the satisfaction searched for.

-jf

Links:
http://ffh.net/bio/
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1006263/1/index.htm