Anyone who is among the living has hope.  -Ecclesiastes 9:4  

When I first began working in the small office I now rent, the only inhabitants were a few mopey flies.  Several of them had gone the way of all flesh, and their bodies littered the floor and windowsills.  I disposed of all but one, which I left in plain sight.

That fly carcass reminds me to live each day well.  Death is an excellent reminder of life, and life is a gift.  Solomon said Anyone who is among the living has hope. -Ecclesiastes 9:4

Life on earth gives us the chance to influence and enjoy the world around us.  We can eat and drink happily and relish our relationships (verses 7 and 9).  

Gladness and purpose can be found by relying on God's strength.

We can also enjoy our work.  Solomon advised Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might (verse 10).
Whatever our vocation or job or role in life, we can still do things that matter, and do them well.  We can encourage people, pray, and express love with sincerity each day.

The writer of Ecclesiastes says, Time and chance happen to them all...No one knows when their hour will come (verses 11-12).  It's impossible to know when our lives on earth will end, but gladness and purpose can be found in this day by relying on God's strength and depending on Jesus' promise of eternal life. -John 6:47

Prayer for Today

Dear God, help me to manage my time well and enjoy the gifts of this world today. Thank you for the promise of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.