Bikes, Cookies, and Ecclesiastes

It was one of those days with totally messed up timing. All I wanted to do was go for a run. The morning limped by, then the afternoon – interruption upon interruption, with no opportunity to get away. Finally, when my 7 year old got home from school, I could escape, and, to my delight, he wanted to ride his bike while I ran. As we left the house together I thought of how thankful I should be that the day went as it did. Now, I could have my run and spend some one-on-one time with my oldest son. But then, with the front yard still in view, his bike chain popped off. This wouldn’t normally be a deal breaker, except that this chain has been popping off with increasing frequency. It was time to tinker with the bike, or I’d be stopping every 20 yards to put the chain back on. I had to give up on the day’s run once and for all. What did I do then? Well, what do you do when your exercise gets interrupted? I ate a cookie.

You have your own versions of this story, each ranging between funny and heart breaking. These experiences are the materials used in Solomon’s construction of the book of Ecclesiastes. He begins with those words made famous by the old KJV, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” We find other offerings in various translations like, empty, futile, or meaningless, to name a few. My Hebrew Professor told us the best translation is the phrase, “frustratingly enigmatic,” which is kind of funny to me because trying to understand what that means is frustratingly enigmatic. In reality though, whichever rendering you prefer we’ve all experienced it and know exactly what Solomon is talking about.

Solomon’s conclusion to this journal of frustrating enigmas is not, “go fix everything that’s broken.” Rather, he sums up his learning in a few phrases like, “enjoy the fruit of your labor,” “enjoy life with your family,” and most importantly, “fear God and keep his commandments.” Vanity will come. The only question is, will we learn from Solomon’s vast experience with it? The next time the bike chain pops off your plans my prayer is that you take it as an opportunity to evaluate your relationship with God in light of His commandments, reflect on the blessings provided in your loved ones… and then of course, eat a cookie.