Make my Soul See

I have been pondering King Solomon’s words for years, when he says in Ecclesiastes “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment  in his toil.” A more full translation here is, “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink  and make his soul see good  in his toil.

I do not claim to have done as many things as Solomon did when he was on his search for joy and fulfillment but I have a lived a long while as an adult now and I think I’m just getting a handle on what he meant. I want to be looking Heavenward and not be laiden with the burdens of this world, so I have done my bit of testing the waters to see what is “satisfying” and for me. It turns out to be very simple things, not unimportant, but simple and plain. In my life, I have been given a heart for homemaking and raising my children, for seeing my husband delight in his children and joyful to be home and all together.

Without a doubt, the most satisfying “work” that I do, are the small things that I can accomplish with my own hands. Making dinner, healthful gardening, teaching my children to write, crocheting and crafting, photography and even the menial tasks like laundry, dishes and scrubbing. I’m not saying that I am always enjoying what I am doing, but I do always enjoy the fruit of my toil and I find satisfaction in the work of my hands. My work will not make it into the annuls of history, but then I probably won’t either. I am alright with being quietly poured out, and into my family. I’m joyful at the thought of teaching to my children what God has taught us through Solomon.  What satisfaction and what good my soul will see in this toil!