Life
From Ecclesiastes (1:1-14, & 12:12-14)

The sun arises in the east
Then sets beyond the west,
The breezes blow in circling paths
Whose end cannot be traced.

The sun evaporates the sea,
The clouds send forth the rain
Which falls and runs until it meets
Within the sea again.

From dust a man is made to live
And then to dust returns,
His work repeated by and by
His knowledge one relearns.

Nothing is new beneath the sun,
What’s done was done before.
Is all vexation, vanity,
Or is there something more?

Ah, more there is, though life is vain
And earth is emptiness,
For we live not for these alone
But for a future place.

Some will discuss things to no end
(They’ll write and teach and fight),
Yet this alone is weariness
And gives no certain light.

Here is the end, this we conclude,
The whole summed up is this:
Fear God and do as He directs
Man’s single duty this.

For God will judge our every work
With everything secret thing,
Deciding what is good and bad
Since He alone is King.

So let us live as He directs,
This life is but a part;
Look on to that eternal life
And keep and guard your heart.

Christina Joy Hommes