10/15/2026
Life is full of challenges, obstacles, opposition, hurdles, and stress. We live in a fallen and confusing world. However, God’s creation is full of infinite beauty, awe, wonder, miracles, and blessings.
When I got to work this morning, the field out back was covered in a blanket of fog and mist, so naturally I had to go for a short walk. As I made my way toward it, the fog was already disappearing, right before my eyes. The more I tried to catch it, the quicker it dissipated. I got what photos I could, took one more look, and walked back to the shop. I would love to forfeit my responsibilities today and just be still. Just be.
This life is fleeting. Time stops for no one. According to the author of Ecclesiastes, all is vanity. In Hebrew, “vanity” is translated to “hebel” or “havel”, which means “v***r” or “breath”. Everything in this life is as a v***r. You can chase and chase, you can try to grasp something and still watch it slip effortlessly out of your closed fist. As I watched the mist go from something so tangible and real to disappearing before my eyes, I was reminded of this.
I looked around to see the signs of autumn around me. The trees are full of leaves that I swear were JUST turning green a moment ago in spring, but are now fading into their final earthy browns and yellows as they prepare to silently release themselves from their temporary homes. Even in final moments of life, there’s beauty and vibrancy. Every soon-fading leaf has a chance to be a flower before its time is over.
As I write this, I’m aware there is a somber tone to this, but just like the book of Ecclesiastes, our hope is not in this short v***r of a life. Our hope rests on things eternal. So, in a life that provides you choices between being kind or bitter, forgiveness or vengeance, compassion or apathy, gentleness or control, and love or hate, remember that we are called to love one another as Christ loved us. At the end of the day, may our steps along this brief path guide us to the Light, “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing whether good or evil.” (Ecc. 12:14)
