Sowing in the Light of Time

Ecclesiastes 11:6 states,  "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." The figure sowing seeds symbolizes a life of action and persistence. The image of continual work through both morning and evening aligns with the idea that we must continue to put effort into our endeavors without knowing the outcomes. In life, as in art, we cannot predict which of our actions will succeed or bear fruit, but this verse encourages us to keep sowing—to keep striving, working, and hoping regardless of uncertainty.  

The connection to life is clear: we often find ourselves hesitant to move forward without assurance of success, but this wisdom reminds us that life's prosperity can be unpredictable, and thus we must give our best efforts in all things, at all times.  

In verse 7,  "Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun," the pleasantness of life, symbolized by the warm light of the sun shining down, suggests that life itself, in its simplicity, is a gift. The radiance filling the landscape in the artwork echoes this sentiment. It reminds us to find joy in life's small, daily pleasures—the rising sun, the planting of seeds—because these moments of light are precious and fleeting.  

However, Ecclesiastes 11:8 introduces a sobering reality:  "But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity." The looming shadow of the clock over the landscape is a reminder of the passing of time and the eventual end of all things. The contrast between the bright light of the morning and the shadows creeping in the background reminds us that while life is sweet, it is not eternal. The days of joy will pass, and darker days will follow. This balance between light and shadow urges us to savor each moment, knowing that even in a long life, times of challenge are inevitable.  

In real life, this passage teaches us to maintain a dual awareness: to embrace and cherish the beauty and blessings of the present while remaining mindful that all things, both good and bad, are temporary. This understanding encourages both gratitude and resilience, allowing us to live fully in the present without being overly consumed by either optimism or despair. It offers balance—a key lesson in navigating the ups and downs of human existence.  

In a digital age where we constantly look for validation and instant success, this scripture and the art encourage long-term thinking, patience, and an understanding of life’s cyclical nature. The message is to keep sowing, enjoy the present light, and remember that both brightness and darkness have their place in life’s journey.