I find Ecclesiastes to be my favorite book in the Bible for explaining to me the meaning of life. I think we all search for or question the meaning of life and its purpose at some point in our lives. What are we looking for? What does it take to make us happy? Why am I here? Is there an important lesson to learn? These are just a few probing questions in my mind.

Chapter 3 tells us, “There is an appointed time for everything - And there is a time for every event under heaven.”

Verse 2 says, “A time to give birth…”

In May, we celebrated Mother’s Day. This is a yearly event so there is no surprise when this takes place; a gathering of family members, old and new, to feast, drink, and laugh. It’s also a time to reminisce and tell stories. We’re happy to remember the good times. We celebrate our moms and are grateful to them for giving us life, even those who are now in heaven.

Verse 4 says, “A time to laugh…”

The following weekend we were with friends and their families at Palisades State Park. We all met on a Friday to spend time together and catch up with whatever was going on in our lives. We played golf, shared meals, and giggled like school kids. We met Carl and Paula three years ago at this same park and have kept the friendship going. So, every year now we try to meet up and have a laugh or two for a few days leaving our hectic work lives behind.

Verse 2 also says, “A time to die…”

That weekend, we found out Gregory Castle passed away at age 83. He was one of the Co-Founders of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. What a remarkable man with vision, dedication and drive back in 1983 to help start what is now the most treasured “Save Them All” movements. His work has saved millions of animals. From 2009-2018 he served as the CEO of Best Friends. “He was a voice of reason and reconciliation among grassroots rescue groups, animal shelters and national animal organizations.”

Verse 4 also says, “A time to dance…”

The first week in June we went to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. I had planned this trip back in January of this year. We were there three years ago and were excited to return bringing more of our books with us. This time we camped in one of the RV sites in Angels Canyon. Our site was beautifully situated overlooking a canyon of red rocks and caves. We danced in celebration with a toast, happy to be back.

Our first tour was at the Horse Haven with a girl named Christy. She knew all the horse’s names and their backgrounds. Some had happy endings and some did not. All were rescues. And they are all being very well taken care of and live in gorgeous surroundings. There are some looking for forever homes and that means they have overcome some hardships. The ones that can’t be adopted have a forever home in the beautiful red rock canyon with lots of love. And that’s a wonderful thing.

We met Ann, who gave us the story of a mustang named Prince. He was very smart and quite a prankster, which made us laugh. She showed us how he was able to overcome anxiety and shyness by training him with mental telepathy. With just one look, this magnificent horse was dancing through the arena. It was quite amazing.

While we were there, we met with Erin who is a Planned Giving Member. She worked in Dog Town for many years before joining her current position. She was fun and shared humorous stories with us about the dogs she worked with as well as her own. She has a bully that looks just like our Tuco did, though a different color. His name is Cinnamon. He does some crazy “dancing” when he’s happy, like Tuco did, as only a Bully can do, if you know what I mean.

Verse 7 says, “A time to be silent…”

Gratitude Garden is sacred grounds in the upper canyon, a place for all to come walk or sit and meditate. There are sculptures and fountains along the paths. The beautiful desert landscape is marked with inspirational signs and benches along the way. There is an amazing overlook of the canyon below where you see Angels Rest and can hear windchimes. We were told the burials in the upper canyon are for the animals that resided in the sanctuary.

Angels Rest is in the lower canyon. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of animal burials in this area; dogs, cats, horses, birds, pigs, rabbits, etc. The first time we entered through the gates we were speechless. It literally made us cry. There are thousands of windchimes that will blow your mind when you hear them; all sizes singing in the same key together. Tread lightly here among the spirits, for this is holy ground.

Verse 4 says, “A time to weep…”

This one came as a surprise and literally took our breath away. Thunderstorms came and went throughout the week; downpours lasting through the night at times. But the most amazing thing happened in between storms one night when the sunset reappeared. We witnessed the most magnificent, beautiful, glorious double rainbow arching over the whole canyon. How lucky for us to be in Angels Canyon with the Rainbow Bridge and all the animal spirits. It brought awe and tears just thinking about all the souls that crossed over and are now at rest. It was the most touching experience I’ve ever felt.

Verse 5 says, “A time to embrace…”

The following weekend was the memorial for Gregory Castle. We watched the celebration of his life on a live YouTube channel while others attended in person at the sanctuary in Angels Landing, a huge amphitheater nestled in the rock canyon. The ceremony was beautiful with rememberances from other co-founders, family, friends, and musicians. It was an emotional testimony embracing a life well lived.

Verse 8 says, “A time to love…”

We celebrated Fathers Day this month. I hope all you dads out there had a day surrounded by love with your kids. Those of us who live miles apart, like me and my dad, had to send cards and send our love over the phone. To those dads in heaven, our love is eternal.

And this brings me to the conclusion of my thoughts about the meaning of life. No one said it would easy. Life is a mix of good and bad, highs and lows. Struggles will always be with us, as well as our triumphs. We’re all given choices and will be made accountable for our actions and reactions one day. If we work hard providing for our families, helping others in need when we can, and treating everyone with dignity, kindness, and love, then I feel we’re on the right path to happiness. Find the good in others. Know that every good thing on this earth is a gift from God, so treat it with respect. So, the meaning of life to me is doing good in one’s lifetime, loving one another, and being happy.

Read the book of Ecclesiastes. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus. I think you’ll know what I mean. Until next time, God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb