Today is November 21, but tomorrow is November 22nd. A day I will not forget. What were you doing on November 22, 1963?  Many of you weren’t even born. I was very much alive that morning, sitting in my psychology class in high school. I didn’t believe John F. Kennedy, the president of the United States, would die. I assumed he would be fixed in the hospital they rushed him to. But he wasn’t fixed. He died that day. They cancelled the remainder of the school day, and we got on the school bus, went home and watched the event over and over again on television. I’ll not forget that day and the solemness of life and how quickly it can end.

This past week, I have been reading in the book of Ecclesiastes, most likely written by Solomon. One of the verses I’ve puzzled over was the following:

Sorrow is better than laughter,
    and sadness has a good influence on you (7:3 NCV).

Do you believe sorrow is better than laughter? Would you rather go to a funeral or a comedy club? Some might say they’d rather laugh than cry. But actually, when there’s sorrow, one thinks about their future and what is valuable in life. Sorrow often brings about change in one’s life.

I found I relied on God more during the times of sorrow than any other time. Although I’ve not been seriously ill, I’ve been around someone who was. He didn’t think of funny jokes, but he sure wanted me to read him the Bible and learn even more about God.

What about you? Are you in pain, or so sick you almost wished you would die to be relieved of the pain and discomfort? Are you watching someone who is ill or in a severe depression? This may be a gift from God because it causes us to think about the end of life.

What? you say? It is in someone’s death–like I witnessed when our president was assassinated that November morning so many years ago, that it’s a good time to contemplate God and our future after we die. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes finally comes to the conclusion that faith in God–Jesus Christ–is the only true meaning in life. The writer points out that life is brief and worthless without faith–without God.

“Lord, help us as we contemplate our future. May we turn to You in times of laughter and in sorrow. Help us to enjoy the laughter, but think about You in our times of sorrow. Thank you that you loved us so much You died for us. But  most importantly, rose again. In the name of the Resurrected Jesus, amen.”

Enjoy the following song written by a former slave trader.

For my brother, who’s battling cancer right now. I hope you like this–your favorite genre.

Next Thursday is Thanksgiving. I’ll see you on the other side of that day.

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