“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 NIV

Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes as a journey to find meaning and purpose in life. He begins with, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless. What do people gain from all their labors?” Eccl. 1:2 (NIV) But he ends with, “…here is the conclusion of the matter:  Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” Eccl. 12:13 (NIV)

As Solomon progresses through his journey, he writes our verse for today. He says that it is good for people to be happy, to do good, to enjoy food and drink, and to find satisfaction in their labor. All of these are gifts of God to humankind.

When our kids were young and discussing what they wanted to do when they grew up, my husband would always tell them, “Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” (A not quite exact quote of Confucius, “Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”) But it is a pretty truthful statement.

I taught in a classroom for 12 years and loved it, time flew. I was a stay-at-home mom for 12 years and totally embraced it, time really flew. I worked with my husband in his business as the financial/accounting person for 12 years. At first, I was very nervous, it wasn’t like anything I had done before. But once I leaned the ropes and settled in, it was invigorating, and time flew.

Now I am in my fourth “career” (as my daughter says), a blogger and writer, and time is still flying. This  is my fourth year writing this blog!. It’s hard to believe that I haven’t run out of things to say. But I do want to take just a moment to thank each of you because I wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you!

Today, celebrate Labor Day, with a backyard barbeque, or a picnic, a day at the lake or just time off work with your family. Be happy, do good, eat and drink and find the satisfaction in your work. Celebrate you, as a worker, no matter your work. Enjoy life!

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we find our own meaning in this life.

Blessings and satisfaction!