15 So I commended enjoyment because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy himself, for this will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 8:15 CSB)

I allow myself to get overwhelmed with life and worry quite often. The ghost of past decisions, regrets, the scars from old psychic wars and a myriad of other present and future concerns take their tole. This normally means that I end up with a sleepless night here and there.

I want to encourage joy in others lives but struggle to find it in my own.

I know I am opening up a bit here, but I think it only fair for others to know I struggle with this too if they do. Life is not some easy slide down a nice grassy slope on a summer day for many of us. We all have our struggles.

But when I look back at all of that worry, fear, anxiety and stress what has it given me (other than stomach problems)? Nothing really. I have not added another moment to my life or gained from it one bit, other than maybe some wisdom gained on how to live moving forward.

So why not allow myself to enjoy the time I have left with friends and family? I can see no reason not to encourage joy in every life.