Mark Twain once remarked, the older I get the more clearly I remember things that never happened. 

How far back can you remember? How many people from your past can you call to mind? I can think back two generations, but beyond that I rely on old photos and stories from family.

How about six generations? No one carries a living memory of those ancestors, they exist as a genealogical records and family lore, if we’re lucky enough to possess those.

Solomon wrote of the finality of death and the reality that we won’t be long remembered. No one remembers the former generations…for the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten.

Both the good and the bad of my life will fade from the minds of future generations. I’m OK with that. Solomon’s stark assessment pricks the bubble of my pride and reminds me that I’m not quite as important as I think.

Solomon added, to the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. Fretting about a future legacy that evaporates bit by bit is so much less important than pleasing the Lord today.

Which is good for me to remember.

Ecclesiastes 1 & 2 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Roman Kraft