Summer is just around the corner, and that means camps, vacations, trips, and a general change in routine. I’ve been thinking about wisdom recently and think there are some great thoughts from the Bible’s wisdom literature that is helpful. I feel like the joy and difficulty of parenting in the midst of these transitional times was made crystal clear yesterday as our family enjoyed some friends’ wedding. The kids got to see both sets of grandparents and as a result consume too much sugar, dance with abandon, and play with all kinds of new friends. All of the joy and excitement came crashing in with harsh words, emotional melting, weeping and gnashing of teeth…and that was just me as we tried to settle into bed. But in reality, I think this just illustrates the struggles of parenting as we enjoy special moments that sometimes “backfire” when they don’t conclude as planned, or end in melting, or are met with ingratitude and we are tempted to say “see, this is why we can’t do special things!”
But thinking of wisdom there are three voices in the Bible. Proverbs gives wise quips where if you are intentional to pursue goodness, good things will result. Ecclesiastes responds to that idea with experience that says “hold on a second, there are chance times when things don’t work out that way.” And Job adds his aged wisdom saying, “yes, although you may be intentional to do good, and life deals you a raw deal, God is no less present in the midst of it and loves you as he walks with you through the good and bad.”
So what? Well there is a word in Ecclesiastes that is used 38 times called “hevel” which is translated in some English versions as “meaningless,” but can also be understood as vapor, elusive, or absurd. I think this is so helpful as we think about the summer, we may be tempted to wish the summer away in anticipation of the routine of the school year. Maybe, we dwell on the fun we had on vacation or that weekend away and lament that we aren’t enjoying those better times, and lose the present moments. Finally, we may get frustrated when things don’t go as planned, picnics rained out, flat tires, or crowds thwart our expected fun.
In this tension, make good plans, but hold them loosely, enjoy the present moments, and reflect on the fun, but don’t become so focused on it that you miss this moment you’re in. Finally, take even the unexpected as divine moments to look for and experience God’s presence. Thinking back to my childhood, some of the most memorable moments were the unexpected. I remember getting stuck in our camper playing blackjack because it was storming outside, or my dad throwing away his wallet while paying for ice-cream in Washington DC, or riding an adult tricycle around my Great Grandmas retirement village while we were on a Disney World trip. It’s amazing how we hang onto the most obscure details, and usually the ones we as parents least expect or least want, but in the midst of every moment, savor your summer, seek God, be intentional to look for His hand in every moment and enjoy the gift of your family at this moment that is fleeting, but oh so sweet! Praying for you and your family this summer!
