Starting Over Again

Where we are is where we have been, there is nothing new under the sun, what has happened before will happen again...these are all thoughts from the Book of Ecclesiastes, which I just finished. Again. I used to dislike this book of the Old Testament, except for the part that was made famous in a song by the Byrds, because it was depressing. Life was all meaningless...eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you die kind of stuff. Except for the last chapter, which talks about serving God. Now that I am older,  I better understand the writer's perspective on life, on life as it was understood before Jesus. Of course, it all looked so pointless, to work hard and save money just to leave it to those who would spend it for you. No hope of resurrection or redemption. The good and the wicked ending in the same way, without distinction or reward. I am glad that there is a New Testament, which brings hope to our lives. When we face our eventual departure from life, we can do it with hope and courage. When we determine that our remaining days will be spent in freedom from the battering of others', and our own, destructive words and actions, and take hold of the gift of life that is set before us, we will see how great the love of God is for us.