This week we are in Ecclesiastes Chapter 1. 

In the 1980’s, Dunkin’ Donuts launched an advertising campaign to emphasize that their donuts were made fresh daily. The commercial featured a beleaguered baker who would say in a tired voice, “time to make the donuts” as he faithfully trudged to work, day after day. Occasionally to this day, I will hear his voice in my head when I roll out of bed saying, “time to make the donuts.” 

In Greek mythology, Sisyphus is condemned to eternally push a heavy boulder up a hill, only for it to roll down each time he nears the top. You might relate to Sisyphus or the donut baker - cooking, commuting, working, studying, cleaning - only to repeat it all again tomorrow. 

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” 
    says the Teacher. 
“Utterly meaningless! 
    Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV) 

The author, referred to as “teacher” or “preacher” depending on the translation, is traditionally believed to be Solomon. He observes repetition in nature and in our lives and asks hard questions about the point of all of it. With all due respect to Solomon, this next bit almost feels like it comes from an angsty teenager: 

What do people gain from all their labors 
    at which they toil under the sun?  
Generations come and generations go, 
    but the earth remains forever. (Ecclesiastes 1:3-4 HCSB) 

Solomon’s blunt conclusion is that life can sometimes feel pointlessly repetitive. The donut baker sure seemed to feel that way when he dragged himself to work each day. 

But I just rewatched some of those old donut commercials online and noticed something. By the end of the commercial, the baker was fully awake and smiling in front of a happy group of people eager to get their donuts. Of course this is a fictional donut commercial, but bear with me. 

If we obsess about the repetitive details of life, like a telescope that is zoomed in too much, we lose focus on the wider view. 

You know that young person at work who always seems to need your help? Your patience could change the arc of their career. That grumpy repeat customer? Your kindness might be the only positive interaction in their day. 

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 HCSB) 

Time to make the donuts. 

By Mark Stuart 

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.