Ecclesiastes 12:1-5

Enjoy the ride

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”: ~ Ecclesiastes 12:1

If there is one thing I wish I would have done more of when I was younger, and even now midway through life, it’s to have more fun. I have always struggled with being present and truly enjoying the moments as they happen. Sure, I planned many fun activities for my kids as they were growing up, and even now for my grandchildren. But much of the time during those occasions, I find myself busy with preparations and serving everyone’s needs, often distracted from the moments that mattered most. Sometimes, I even forget to take pictures!

Today’s scripture reading is a reminder from Solomon: Don’t wait. Enjoy God. Remember His goodness. Soak in the beauty of life while you can, especially in the seasons when strength, energy, and opportunity are abundant. But even if you’re not “young” anymore, it’s not too late. Every day is a fresh chance to live with joy, gratitude, and a full heart, anchored in the presence of your Creator.

Now my hearts prayer is: God, keep me in the moment. Don’t let me miss one blessing or joy that You are pouring out over my life and my loved ones.

If you need some help enjoying your days, here are some hints that you can turn to along the way:

• Pause and Be Present: Intentionally slow down. Put your phone away during special moments. Look around. Smile. Soak it all in. You don’t have to capture everything on camera, capture it in your heart.
• Practice Gratitude Daily: Start or end your day listing three specific things you’re thankful for. Gratitude helps you stay mindful of the blessings happening right now.
• Plan for Fun Without the Pressure: Sometimes we over-plan and miss the enjoyment. Set simple goals for joy: a walk with a friend, a spontaneous outing, a family game night, without the burden of perfection.
• Let Others Help: When hosting or planning events, delegate tasks so you aren’t carrying the whole load. Free yourself to be present.
• Create Space for Wonder: Notice the little things: a sunset, a child’s laughter, a kind word. Awe softens the heart and anchors you in the moment.
• Talk to God Throughout the Day: Whisper prayers of thanks and wonder in real time. Let your awareness of His nearness shape how you experience each day.

Here are some ideas on how you can get started right now:

• Pick one simple activity this week where you will be fully present: maybe dinner with family, coffee with a friend, or even a quiet moment outside.
• Before the activity begins, pray: “God, help me enjoy this moment fully with You.”
• Afterwards, reflect on how you felt, and thank God for that time.
• Over time, these little decisions to be present will add up to a life you have richly lived, not hurried through.

Today I want to encourage you that life is fleeting. The seasons of strength and energy will not last forever, but God’s presence is constant. Ecclesiastes 12 reminds us to honor God now, to enjoy His gifts now, to live richly now, before the days become hard. No matter your age or season of life, today you can choose to step off the treadmill of distraction and into the fullness of life that God is offering you. Don’t miss it. Remember your Creator, enjoy His goodness, and walk right into the beautiful life He is placing before you.

Today’s scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 12:1-5

1 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”:

2 While the sun and the light, the moon and the stars, are not darkened, and the clouds do not return after the rain;

3 In the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men bow down; When the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look through the windows grow dim;

4 When the doors are shut in the streets, and the sound of grinding is low; When one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of music are brought low.

5 Also they are afraid of height, and of terrors in the way; When the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper is a burden, and desire fails. For man goes to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets.

Journal:

• In what areas of your life do you feel hurried or distracted?
• What is one small step you can take today to slow down and enjoy the moment God has given you?
• Write a prayer inviting God to help you be fully present and to savor the blessings He pours out each day.