Times are Good

"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future." Ecclesiastes 7:14

I think that as a believer aware of the "in this world you will have trouble" promise of Jesus, I have tended in the past to gloss over the truly good gifts the Lord gives to me because I am fearful of the "trouble" that inevitably lies ahead. I am a worrier by [sinful] nature, and I have spent much of my life worrying about what may or may not happen in the future. I have long realized this sin in my life and have had lessons to this end beaten into my hard head by the Lord more times than I can count. And while there may be hundreds of "more spiritual" reasons why we as believers shouldn't worry, I am realizing now more than ever that worry robs joy from otherwise beautiful, happy moments. And this is reason enough for me to try my darndest to live in the moment, free from worry.

Because, for as much trouble as is in the world as a result of sin, there are still abundant gifts from our good, creative, loving God. And He wants us to fully enjoy them, unhindered by anxious thoughts.

I love the above verse from Ecclesiastes; I find it to be infinitely wise in its simplicity. Are times good? Then be happy! Enjoy the goodness! Revel in the beauty and life that surrounds you! And when times are difficult, remember the God who makes one day as well as the other, the God who is always the same regardless of circumstances.

Saturday was a day to revel in. The fall weather called us outside, and we had one of those days that was just perfect in its simple beauty.

We began the day with our "long runs" of the week, Eric with his ipod, me with my dear friend Sarah. It was the first cool-weather run we've had in a very long time, and 5 miles is much easier in 60 degrees than 90! :)

After that we headed to a cute little cafe close by that recently opened. They had a bounce house set up, surprisingly, and Eli and Eric put it to good use. They both had a blast. (Forgive the poor picture quality- the only camera I had with me was my phone!)



Then it was off to the feed store to by a bale of hay to help decorate our front porch for fall. They have ponies there for the kids, and Eli, who adores all animals, was super excited for his pony ride.



From there we went to the book store, where we leisurely browsed the aisles- my favorite thing in the world.

And then it was on to buy pumpkins and mums to complete our outdoor festive decorations.

In the afternoon we baked cookies, played outside, and went to the park with the whole family, and then we topped it off with a family dinner once the tired, happy kiddos were put to bed.

The day was all things good. A time to rejoice in, to thank God for. And we were supremely happy.