At the end of his gloomy book, the author of Ecclesiastes insists that life is sweet and that we should enjoy it. But he adds a warning: life is also very messy, and there will be darkness along with the light and sorrow accompanying the joy. He advises us to remember God when we are young, before the struggles of life cloud our vision and make us cynical or bitter. People have a tendency to forget about God in the good times and feel that God let them down when bad times come. Ecclesiastes counsels balance and acceptance of both aspects of life.

Jesus warned his disciples of his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. It should not have come as a surprise, but it did, and they were crushed. They had failed to understand his words. They were enjoying his company and the privilege of being his disciples. Life seemed good and meaningful indeed - why all this gloomy talk of crucifixion? But that was the point of Jesus' prophecy - doing the work of God involves suffering and struggle as well as joy and glory. The same applies with our lives - we will experience many blessings, but also many challenges and setbacks. We should be prepared for both, and accept both with calm and gratitude. God is present in both.