“Folks, we’ve run into some bad weather. It might get a little bumpy. I’m going to turn the seatbelt sign back on.” With that warning from the captain, the airplane began to dip down and then up as it hit several pockets of air. My mind turned turbulent as I realized how helpless I was to do anything about it.

There are some things in life over which we have no control. As much as we like to be the ones calling the shots, most of the time we are left to accept matters as they come along. A family member is diagnosed with cancer, a friend is in an accident, disaster strikes from some unexpected source. These are the things of life, the very things that leave us feeling defenseless.

But all hope is not lost. In the same passage that Solomon said, “Time and chance overtake them all” (Eccl. 9:11 LBX), he indicated that there are some events that we can command. In all the uncertainties that come our way, we can be sure about these. So, take comfort and then take control.

Take time for the simple. “Go then, eat your bread in happiness, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works” (Eccl. 9:7 LBX). Eating and drinking are activities that we seem to rush the most. We have to get them out of the way so we can move on to something more important, something more meaningful. Why do you think we call it “fast food?”

But eating and drinking are gifts from God. We have been blessed to the point that we never have to worry where our next meal will come from. Perhaps our time would be better served if we would just sit down as a family and thank God for what He has given us. Memories are made around the table. How sad to miss something as simple as that.

Make every occasion a special occasion. “Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head” (Eccl. 9:8 LBX). In Solomon’s day, white garments were reserved for festivities like weddings and parties. They would also anoint their head with a costly perfume to symbolize their joy. The king’s advice was to do that all the time.

Since time is of the essence, since life is so unpredictable, there’s no use storing up all of your joy and happiness for some future date. Spend it now, while you have the time and opportunity to do so. How tragic to think that death would come for us today when we had so many plans to accomplish tomorrow. Even today is special. Don’t waste it.

Love your marriage. “Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life… for this is your reward in life” (Eccl. 9:9 LBX). The good life becomes the great life when you find someone to share it with. I’ll never forget what a newlywed husband said to me as we were standing in the back after his marriage ceremony. “I feel complete.” I know exactly how he feels.

Happiness begins at home. When you can look forward to going home at the end of the day, it makes everything else that happened to you while your were out more bearable. And the uncontrollables of life pale into comparison of having the power to tell your spouse that you love them. It’s supposed to be your reward, not your punishment.

Do your work well. “Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or wisdom in Sheol where you are going” (Eccl. 9:10 LBX). There is a special satisfaction in putting your all into something, in knowing that you did the best you could. It brings a sense of accomplishment, a finished feeling, no matter how small the task.

You best do that now, while you have your might. One day, you’re going to have to lay down your tools. And there is no such activity in the land of the dead. We must work while it is day; night is coming when no man can work. Remember that the next time you put your mind or your hands to something.

Take control of what you can. And more important than that, remember Who’s always in control. Since life unfolds under His oversight, you’re in good Hands.