Observation: While Ecclesiastes is thought of as wise analytical teaching, it is certainly inspired by the Lord. This very sentiment is repeated throughout scripture by other writers and prophets ... the the Lord created men to be good (in his own image, for purpose, to serve and love), but men have each individually chosen to turn away (gone astray, fallen, followed a different path). This is a universal truth, and applies to absolutely everyone. It is the ultimate cause of despair for the mankind, as thus even through it is frustrating that 'fate' seems to treat people randomly at best, in the end no individual could deserve or demand better.
Application: I often follow my own downward road. I usually know better, though sometimes this is more about failing to ask for advice than ignoring direction. That doesn't change the fact that it is my own road ... a direction of my choosing if not my creation and planning.
I still fail to engage the Lord in my daily decisions. This would likely be the best change in my life, if I made the Lord - through prayer - the guiding voice in everything I did. From when to schedule meetings, to how to communicate data, to which projects to prioritize ... to how to better love my wife, to when to encourage a friend, to how much to give to a person in need.
It is true that I am flawed, and will continue from time to time on my own downward road. However, by engaging the Lord more often, I would be on his upward path more often.
Prayer: Lord, please take my hand today. Guide me in deciding what needs cleaned today, which effort should work on this morning, and how I can communicate love to my family. Amen.
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