Remember your creator in the days of your youth

After the last Blog showing Johnny Cash singing 'hurt' and reflecting back on his life, I had to spoke briefly at a Youth Fellowship with the hope getting a few junior leaders to help out with some Youth work we carry out at an old Fire Station. In a few more years I'll be 50 and it doesn't seem that long ago I was the same age as the teenagers at the group. I remember the hunger for God I had then: I ask myself is it still as strong? Certainly I was challenged to seek Christ afresh as I did then. I may be doing more Christian things but in the process have I lost my first love? The 'Hurt ' song is reflective wisdom in which he looks back on his life. This reminds me of Ecclesiastes 12 which was written by the aged Solomon . He also reflects on his life and in particular encourages the youth of his generation to seek God while they are still young. This is true wisdom from a man who made a few major mistakes. The chapter can also be a reminder to those not in that age bracket to reassess their lives and get back to basics with their Creator God. We will have all eternity to regret it if we don't.

1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"-
2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain;
3 when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim;
4 when the doors to the street are closed and the sound of grinding fades; when men rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint;
5 when men are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshopper drags himself along and desire no longer is stirred. Then man goes to his eternal home and mourners go about the streets.

6 Remember him—before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well,
7 and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
8 "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Everything is meaningless!"

The Conclusion of the Matter

9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one Shepherd. 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.