Beginnings

Ecclesiastes 7

Good Name: I hope that I will be able to create a Good Name for us. One that will hold impact and influence. One that will encourage, inspire, glorify Jesus.

Sorrow over Laughter: It's always said that laughing is good... and it is. But there is something about being able to mourn with someone, that brings people together and presses towards intimacy. It is much wiser to have deep connections with people and mourning with them than having meaningless laughs.

Death over Life: I hope we live with the end in mind. Put time and efforts into the things that will last and not the things that are fleeting.

Wise Rebuke over Foolish Songs: It is so precious to have people in your life that will challenge you and rebuke you. It is easy to find fools who fall into the pleasures of themselves, but the one who seeks "wise" rebuke and listens will be fruitful. The ones who let their lives slip into the songs of fools will lose all they had and more.

End over Beginning: The beginning always holds all the sparks and emotions, but all of it means nothing if it isn't built into the end. At the end, you have the harvest of all that you have sown. So even in the beginning keep the end in mind, building toward the harvest of what you have. 

Patient Spirit vs Proud Spirit: "Anger lodges in the heart of fools". I never want to be a fool. I pray for wisdom, and patience is a seed of wisdom. The one who has self control and  doesn't allow for anger to settle into their heart is wise. Patience allows for people around you to grow and learn. It allows you to control your anger and allows for you to love them.

Good ol' Days vs Today: It is foolishness to look to the days of the past. "when I was on fire for God"... foolishness. What you have is today and your relationship with God today. Don't forget to live today, by keeping yourself in the past. You'll miss on the things right before you. The things God is showing you and revealing to you. The wise man moves forward and doesn't allow his past to define him or limit him from living this day in freedom. Today is a clean slate, new mercies, and yours to do steward to the best of your ability.

Wisdom.