Finding Meaning in Life: A Radical Lesson from the Streets of Nashville

 “Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”

Ecclesiastes 2:11

Dear Friends,

Nightlife took on a new meaning for me this past weekend. While I am usually in bed just after sundown, I stretched my body’s internal clock while visiting Nashville, Tennessee, to walk the streets of Music Row and witness its nocturnal energy firsthand. 

The Nashville Lesson: Why We Seek Recognition

I’d only ever heard about the festivities in this famous city, and at first glance they produced quite a show. Music from want-to-be bands and hopeful performers blared from every corner. The concerts, broadcasted on gigantic screens, teased every passer-by with a glimpse of the limelight, while colorful neon lights screamed for everyone to “come on in” and join the fun. 

The scene overwhelmed the senses, stirring longings we usually keep tucked away. Don’t we all harbor a secret desire to see our names in lights – to finally be finding meaning in life through recognition and success?

What Lies Beneath the Glamour

As we continued down the street, passing honky-tonks and small hole-in-the wall showcases, I looked down just in time to sidestep a scattered pile of broken glass. In that moment, the glamour shifted. I realized that in many cases, the bright lights, and party atmosphere merely mask brokenness and heartbreak. 

Solomon’s Search for Satisfaction

Solomon, the wisest, wealthiest, and most well-known king of ancient times understood this principle. Underneath all of the world’s finest attempts at success and accomplishment lies a lot of broken glass. 

The book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon, journals this famous man’s search for satisfaction. By his own admission, he tried everything he could think of to find purpose and meaning. He denied himself nothing his eyes desired – he took thousands of wives, built beautiful buildings, worked long hours, partied hard, gorged on fancy food, and imbibed the best wines – but came to the same conclusion in each case. Everything was meaningless. Finding meaning in life could not be found under the sun.

Finding Meaning in Life

It can feel hopeless until you notice one specific phrase Solomon uses: “under the sun.” Everything this world offers is empty if it remains disconnected from God. Nashville stars come and go. The best of them shine for a while but eventually their bodies return to dust with only pictures, soundtracks, and memorabilia left for sightseers to view as they walk through a museum. Unless we live for the One who is above the sun, our achievements hold no spiritual weight. Like that broken glass on Broadway, worldly success eventually shatters.

You and I may never see our names emblazoned on a neon sign on Music Row in Nashville, TN. But that’s okay. The king who had it all eventually found the secret to finding meaning in life. He concluded:

“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

A Different Kind of Street

Faith and obedience are how we sidestep the broken glass and live a meaningful life on earth. One day, your walk here will end, and you will step onto another street – one paved with gold. There is no “nightlife” there, because the light comes directly from Jesus. As you walk hand-in-hand with your Savior, His light will be the only one you ever need.

Love,

Mama

Are you tired of chasing the wind? Today, take one small step: Ask God to show you one area where you’ve been seeking meaning ‘under the sun’ instead of in Him. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. How do you stay focused on the eternal in a world of neon lights?