Susan LaffertyOur taxi driver offers to give us a brief tour of the town where we’re staying. On an island in Chile.
Four of us pile in and go along the narrow village streets. First, climbing gravel roads to park at the top of a hill.
An overlook.
Breathtaking view of the ocean.
In cold October winds.
What do I pursue?
Solomon, a king known for so much wisdom, left it on the shelf. And chased after worldly things. Marrying into idolatry. Multiple times.
Ecclesiastes starts off and continues in a prominent theme that reflects the king’s view after these pursuits. All is meaningless.
Every part of life takes on the flavor of futility. Restless forays into fruitless searches for meaning.
And the writer declares everything “futility and striving after wind.” Over and over.
“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).
Contentment with what I hold in my hands is fleeting. Feeling it’s not quite enough.
Subtle dissatisfaction. And an inner push for “more than.”
Then, some days, I just ignore the meal set before me.
Distracted. By things less filling.
