Missing Dinner

24 There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, 25 because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him? Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

I can sit down to a full plate of food with my family and barely taste a single bite. My body is in the chair, my kid is telling a story about school, and nothing is wrong. But I’m three days ahead, mentally writing a late reply to another group text. Empty plate, absent mind.

It’s an absurd way to sit at a dinner table, but it’s hardly a new habit.

The Teacher spent Ecclesiastes 2 trying to find meaning through accomplishment and pleasure. He built houses, bought property, hired workers, and chased every desire that caught his eye. By verse 24, he lands on something very plain: eat your food, drink your drink, and find enjoyment in your work. He stopped grasping for more and acknowledged that what was right in front of him came from God.

This isn’t a trick to make your life easy. The hard things stay hard. Your job will still have frustrating days, and you still can't guarantee how tomorrow will play out. But you aren't carrying any of it alone. Jesus taught us to ask the Father for daily bread. Even the ordinary stuff of life is something we receive.

So eat your dinner while it’s warm. Pass the parmesan. Listen. Really listen to the story your daughter has told you nine times this week. Do your work tomorrow as best you can, and just receive today as a gift.

Father, forgive me for ignoring the life You gave me today while I worry about tomorrow. Slow me down. Help me receive today's bread from Your hand and enjoy it with You.