Devotional Thought: The Teacher looks at life “under the sun” and finds that hard wrok, pleasure and even success feel like vapor. Real but fleeting. He isn’t cynical; he’s honest about limits. His first counsel is surprising: receive ordinary gifts (food, work, rest) as God’s gracious portions. Meaning isn’t found by grabbing more, but by gratefully enjoying what God gives today.

Kid Conversation Starter: What’s one small gift from God you enjoyed today (a snack, a game, a hug)? How can we say “thank you” to God for simple things?

Devotional Thought: God appoints seasons—a time to laugh and to cry, to build and to rest. We can’t control the times, but we can trust the One who makes everything beautiful in its time and has set “eternity” in our hearts. Our job is to do good, rejoice, and receive each day as from Him. Waiting becomes worship when we believe God is at work in every season.

Kid Conversation Starter: What “times” did you have today (a time to learn, a time to play)? When it’s a “waiting time,” how can we trust God?

Devotional Thought: Two are better than one. Friendship is something that can protect us and lifts us up. Chasing status or money never satisfies; contentment does. When we come to God, we should listen more than we speak and keep our promises. Worship is not a performance but is a humble heart that fear God.

Kid Conversation Starter: How can you be a good friend who helps others up? What is a promise you can keep this week? Would it be helping others, sharing, or saying a kind word to someone?

Devotional Thought: Wealth without enjoyment is empty; life has limits that we cannott fix. Wisdom doesn’t remove sorrow, but it helps us live well within reality. Hard days can teach more than the easy ones. Patience is better than pride. Don’t idolize “the good old days”. Seek God’s wisdom for today.

Kid Conversation Starter: Tell me about a hard moment that taught you something. What’s one wise choice you can make before today day ends?

Devotional Thought: God’s justice can feel delayed and life can and does feel unpredictable, but death comes to us all in the end. Because life is short, the Teacher urges us to eat with joy, cherish our loved ones, and do our work wholeheartedly. We honor God by enjoying His gifts and acting with integrity even when answers aren’t clear.

Kid Conversation Starter: What’s one fun thing we can enjoy as a family today? How can you do one chore “with all your might”?

Devotional Thought: God’s people were given freedom and joy, and they celebrated with the feast of Purim to remember His deliverance. We, too, celebrate God’s salvation through Jesus with joy and worship.

Kid Conversation Starter: What’s your favorite way to celebrate something exciting God has done?

Devotional Thought: The book ends reminding us that God preserved His people through Esther’s courage and His hidden hand. This points us to Jesus, who gave His life to preserve us forever. Let’s remember God’s story in our lives, just like they remembered Purim.

Kid Conversation Starter: How can we make sure we never forget the amazing things God has done for us?