Ecclesiastes 3:12 & 22 –
<12> So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. … <22> So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here! No one will bring us back from death to enjoy life after we die.
Solomon is reflecting on life through this book. In this chapter he is regaining hope and realizing we are here for a reason and purpose. God wants us to be happy and we know he has us here for a reason. Yes we all die, but for the time we have on this earth God does not want us miserable!! The reality is there is nothing better to do than to work and be happy. Do what we need to … if that’s making someone’s smile perfect or making someone use that smile … we need to enjoy where we are at and work to bring the glory of God to others.
I know we could go deep into work ethics and all … but you know what … those who want to work will, those who do not will not get the full joy out of life.
I would suggest reading this chapter … it written very well and does not have the dark negative tones of 1 & 2. Life has its seasons … if it weren’t for pain we would not enjoy the good times. Negative energy is not necessarily good energy, but it happens from time to time. When times are tough, you need to work through them, don’t give up. Make sure to enjoy life and thank God for everything that happens, for both the good and for the bad, because both will make you stronger in faith!!