* Taking the time to stop and consider is one of the most powerful things you can do.

* To stop and “take it in” gives you energy to keep going.

* Solomon (the wisest man who ever lived) shows us its power.

* Ecclesiastes was written from a worldly perspective.

* God is not involved.

* There is no eternity - this is all there is.

* When God IS NOT considered, nothing has meaning (not even the biggest thing).

* When God IS considered, everything has meaning (even the smallest thing).

* This is why Ecclesiastes was read at the Feast of Tabernacles where people thanked God for His abundant provision.

* It reminded them to stop and consider God’s involvement.

* Vs 10 - Solomon enjoyed the fruit of his labor, which is a good thing.

* We should stop and consider our work and enjoy it’s completion.

* This recharges you and gives you strength for the next thing.

* By rewarding yourself in the moment, your brain elicits positive emotions. By doing this continuously, your brain will start to link pleasure to accomplishing the task or objective and move towards it in the future.

* Cycle - Do Something Hard / Reward Yourself

* EX: Matinee movie after a book is done.

* Key - God wants you to ENJOY your life, but not find your ultimate “meaning” in the here and now.

* Vs 11 - But he stopped to consider!

* It’s a good practice to stop and consider. How?

* 1) STOP what you’re doing (schedule in time to pause).

* 2) LOOK up - take God into consideration.

* 3) LOOK around - take in your present moment.

* 4) LOOK back - look at your work and what you’ve accomplished.

* 5) LOOK in - how do you feel?

* ** Solomon skipped step two, and it caused despair.