“A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” – Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

In 2002, Marvin Lacy of Lake Wales Florida taught calligraphy in the local area. What makes that special is the great-grandfather of five suffers from Parkinson’s disease. The disease often makes his hands tremble. Though he has this disease, when Marvin sits down to create his works of calligraphy, his hands are suddenly stable and become still. Marvin says, “It’s a gift from God.”

Lacy’s faith influences all that he does. He says, “The Lord is important in my life. I wouldn’t want to leave out that aspect of my life. One of the sayings I’ve put into calligraphy is a philosophy I picked up. ‘I will make that which I do today important. I am exchanging a day of my life for it.’”

Lacy’s specialty is calligraphic works of art, including wall hangings and greeting cards. His work ranges from Bible passages to the comical sayings. He adds, “The scripture says that a merry heart does good like medicine. To me, that kind of stuff is fun.”

To Lacy, art is fun. “Do you think I would do it if I didn’t enjoy it?” He asked. “I really enjoy doing it.”

Put Jesus Christ in the center of all that you do and you will never want for enjoyment. Today in prayer, praise God that He truly wants to give us an abundant, joyful life.

“Receive every day as a resurrection from death, as a new enjoyment of life; meet every rising sun with such sentiments of God’s goodness, as if you had seen it, and all things, new – created upon your account: and under the sense of so great a blessing.” – William Law

God’s Word: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12-13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2006, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN ECCLESIASTES AND SONG OF SONGS pkennedy6@yahoo.com