Fading Light of Youth and the Eternal Journey

Ecclesiastes 12:1 begins with the poignant call,  "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them." The figures in the artwork—young, vibrant, and filled with life—are in the prime of their youth, walking hand-in-hand. They symbolize the fullness of life’s early days, where joy and adventure lie ahead. The luminous moon above is not yet darkened, just as the Bible verse reminds us to cherish these moments before life's difficulties cloud the skies of our existence.  

In the next lines,  "While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain," we see the vast sky remain soft and luminous, filled with the glow of a setting sun, symbolizing the inevitable end of youth. As light fades into darkness, the passage of time becomes more apparent, foreshadowing life's later stages. The art reflects this subtle transformation, with clouds gently forming but not yet heavy with rain, much like the uncertainties that accompany old age.  

Ecclesiastes 12:3 speaks of  "the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves." This image is echoed in the fading outlines of the figures walking away from the viewer, as though time has passed and their strength slowly diminishes. The clouds represent the gradual dimming of vision, the "grinders cease because they are few," symbolizing the loss of vitality. These figures, though still walking, are heading toward an unknown horizon, much like all of humanity heads toward life’s inevitable conclusion.  

"...And those that look out of the windows be darkened," paints a vivid image of how age dims our senses. The dream-like world begins to blur around the edges in this art, much like memory and vision fade with time. The figures on their path symbolize life’s journey, from childhood’s innocence to the maturity of old age, as they walk toward their "long home" in the verse, representing the return to eternity.  

As Ecclesiastes 12:6 states,  "Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken..." the breaking of life’s precious vessels symbolizes death. The soft pink horizon, the hazy figures, and the surreal quality of the landscape in the art depict the fragility of human life. This verse and the image call to mind the inevitable decay that comes with age, yet the sunset on the horizon offers peace, not despair, indicating that life's end can be beautiful if lived wisely.  

In real life, this passage from Ecclesiastes teaches us to value each stage of life—to embrace the vitality of youth, to find peace in maturity, and to accept the twilight of life with grace. It reminds us that everything is temporary and encourages reflection on how we spend our time. In today’s world, where youth and beauty are often idolized, these verses and this artwork gently remind us that all things must pass. By remembering our Creator and leading a life of purpose, we can find meaning beyond the physical and material.  

The artwork blends this spiritual reflection with a timeless message of life, death, and eternity, drawing viewers into a moment of contemplation on the ephemeral nature of human existence.