the one as well as the other

"In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him."
-King Solomon, Ecclesiastes 7:14

This scriptural nugget has stuck with me ever since the first time I remember reading it in 2003. I seem to recall it most frequently in "days of prosperity." I remind myself not to think my good times are a sign of deserved favor. I remind myself that prosperous days may turn sour and fruitless, or at least appear so, at the drop of a hat. And I remind myself that when adversity comes, it must be met with a generous measure of grace and good humor.

I have many thoughts that branch from this, but they concern a personal matter about which it would be wise not to write. There are several reasons for this, not the least of which is the public nature of blogging. I remain convinced that not all thoughts ought to be written, let alone published in any fashion. And to vent in detail about my own personal and relational affairs in a blog raises a bright red flag in my mind - the warning that would keep me from turning into that which I so sincerely hope to avoid.

The day is prosperous, and I remain joyful.