Go, eat your bread with pleasure, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already accepted your works. Let your clothes be white all the time, and never let oil be lacking on your head. Ecclesiastes 9:7-8 HCSB
When my oldest son got married I purchased a tuxedo to wear since I was privileged to be the officiating minister. I also assumed I would need it a few more times since I have four children. I wore it again for my oldest daughter’s wedding, but most of the time it hangs in storage in my closest. There is seldom an occasion to wear it. Both of my daughters wore beautiful white wedding gowns on the day they wed and they both looked radiant, but their dresses now hang in our guest room closet. It is a shame that we do not have more joyful occasions to wear these clothes. We wear certain clothes to celebrate and others for work. Our clothes are often a reflection of our inner attitudes.
Solomon encouraged people to enjoy their lives. Since death was a certainty, he instructed them to eat, drink, and enjoy the time they had to live. He encouraged them to wear white, which was in contrast to the sackcloth and ashes that one would wear when mourning. White clothes and oil on the head were signs of joy, blessings, and celebration. Solomon was not suggesting a life filled with party and folly, but rather that one should enjoy the time God had given him to live.
Challenge: Life is good! Enjoy it! Thank God for His abundant blessings and for the time you have here on earth. Ask Him to help you use your time wisely and to bring honor and glory to Him.