Embracing the Ordinary: Finding Joy in the Simple Things in a Chaotic World

Embracing the Ordinary in a Chaotic World

Welcome to another weekend. It’s time to rest and enjoy the simple things in life. But in a world where chaos and uncertainty seem to be the norm, it’s easy to overlook the beauty of the ordinary. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget to stop and appreciate the little things that make it all worthwhile.

That’s where the book of Ecclesiastes comes in. Ecclesiastes is a book that teaches us to embrace the ordinary and find joy in the simple things in life. It’s a book that reminds us that life is fleeting, and that we should make the most of the time we have.

The Vanity of Life

Ecclesiastes begins by acknowledging the vanity of life. “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). The Preacher is lamenting the fact that everything in life is temporary and fleeting. No matter what we do, we cannot escape the fact that we will one day die and everything we have worked for will be left behind.

But this doesn’t mean that life is meaningless. Ecclesiastes teaches us that we can find meaning and joy in the ordinary things in life. “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God” (Ecclesiastes 2:24).

Enjoying the Simple Things in Life

So what are the simple things in life that we should be enjoying? Ecclesiastes gives us some examples. We should enjoy our work and the fruit of our labor (Ecclesiastes 3:13), we should enjoy our meals and the company of our loved ones (Ecclesiastes 9:7), and we should enjoy the beauty of God’s creation (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

But enjoying the simple things in life is easier said than done. We live in a culture that tells us that we need more, that we need to be constantly striving for success and achievement. We are bombarded with messages that tell us that we are not good enough and that we need to do more to be happy.

But Ecclesiastes tells us that this is a lie. We don’t need more to be happy. We can find joy in the ordinary things in life. We can find joy in the beauty of a sunset, in the taste of a good meal, and in the company of our loved ones.

Finding Meaning in Life

But Ecclesiastes also teaches us that finding meaning in life is not just about enjoying the simple things. It’s also about living a life that is pleasing to God. “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).

Living a life that is pleasing to God means living a life that is in line with his will. It means following his commandments and seeking to do his will in all things. It means living a life that is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).

Conclusion

So as you go about your weekend, take some time to stop and enjoy the ordinary things in life. Enjoy your meals, enjoy the company of your loved ones, and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. But don’t forget that finding meaning in life is not just about enjoying the simple things. It’s also about living a life that is pleasing to God. It’s about following his commandments and seeking to do his will in all things.

So let us embrace the ordinary and find joy in the simple things in life. Let us live a life that is pleasing to God and seek to do his will in all things. And let us remember that life is fleeting, but that we can find meaning and joy in the midst of it all.