Ecclesiastes 9:7-10: How Can You Seize Life?

Dress festively...don't skimp on scarves

7 Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes — God takes pleasure in your pleasure!
8 Dress festively every morning. Don't skimp on colors and scarves. 9 Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange For the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! 10 Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it, For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed. 
Eccl 9:7-10(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002.)

When I retired, the school gave me a beautiful silver and gold tennis bracelet. The two metals wrapped around each other in gentles swirls. It was elegant. Tasteful. Refined. I closed up the box and tucked it into my jewelry drawer. It was far too fine to use.

But wait a minute. They gave it to me to use. Why would I tuck it away?

We all know people like me, who given a wonderful gift, lovingly wrap it up and stow it away. And how often do we do this to God? He gave us life...and we squirrel it away and refuse to enjoy it. At least, when I die, my daughter Sarah will get to wear my bracelet. But who will wear my life when I'm dead?

So, how can you seize your life?

• wear your nicest clothes, even if it's only your husband who will see it
• women--wear make-up, fix your hair. Rejoice in the husband of your youth
• take time to cook a fine meal. It doesn't have to be gourmet, but hamburger seven days a week does not make one relish life. (Even if you put relish on it!)
• bundle up and walk in the sub-zero sunshine. Too often gray skies fill our winters...weave the golden rays into a bracing walk
• love your job. It pays the bills at the very least, and because of that, you have a roof over your head. You spend most of your life working...so love it.
• contact your friends--beyond facebook
• dance
• sing
• play with a baby

Bad stuff is going to come our way...so make the most of each day. Let me know how you seize life.