We're Only Mortal

After revisiting some familiar Scriptural passages this past week, it dawned on me just how depressed the author was. Throughout the book, Qoheleth has a heightened sense of his own mortality such that the reader quickly realizes how it dominates every aspect of his life.

However, In the author's defense, I can more than identify with his realization of the futility of fleeting pleasures such as fine wine, scantily dressed women (aka eye candy) & enormous bank accounts. Particularly when when one realizes death is looming closer & closer with each passing moment. Talk about a Kill Joy & a dissertation on the hopelessness of life!

But I get that. And not only do I get that, I appreciate that. And not only do I appreciate that, I think there's value to be had in this seemingly stern thinking. For I'll take grim reality any day over fake fluff. But that's probably putting it too harshly. A better way to explain my reasoning (in an attempt to soften the blow) comes from a surprising source- Patrick Stewart. Better known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

In the movie "Generations" our hero states "Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives, but I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey & reminds us to cherish every moment because they'll never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we've lived. After all, Number One, we're only mortal."

Somber words Captain. Yet honest & life giving when properly embraced. The same can be applied to the writings of Ecclesiastes. For it's in the acceptance of life's brevity, that we truly start living.