What does a truly successful life look like? This week, we explore Ecclesiastes chapter 9 and how it challenges our cultural definitions of success, inviting us into a radically different way of living. We're confronted with two sobering realities: first, that our lives are not ultimately in our own hands but in God's hands, and second, that death comes for us all regardless of our achievements or status. Rather than leading to despair, these truths become the foundation for profound joy and freedom. The passage reveals that only about 10% of our lives are actually within our control—the rest is determined by genetics and circumstances beyond us. This means we can stop frantically grasping and start gratefully receiving. The teacher's prescription is surprisingly celebratory: eat your bread with enjoyment, drink your wine with a merry heart, wear clean garments, care for your body, and deeply enjoy your relationships. These aren't escapes from reality but acts of worship that acknowledge God's goodness woven into creation itself. When we understand that our lives rest in the hands of a loving God, we're freed from the anxiety of trying to secure our own success. We can be present, savor small moments, and find that true spiritual maturity looks like unhurried joy in the everyday gifts around us—exactly as Jesus modeled in his own remarkably relaxed and interruptible life.