When Life Feels Emptyنموونە

Forget the Headlines

When he died in 1976, Howard Hughes left an estate worth the equivalent of $9 billion dollars today. He also left no will.

Hughes dropped out of college at 19. By 23, he was producing big-budget films in Hollywood. By 27, he founded the Hughes Aircraft Company, setting air-speed records for the next decade. At 34, he purchased a major global airline. That same year, the US Congress awarded him the Medal of Honor. He epitomized what we call “the titan of industry” and prefigured many of today’s entrepreneurs.

Yet Hughes’ story isn’t anything new. It’s the same story the Teacher of Ecclesiastes saw thousands of years earlier: Great men work hard, achieve great things, and leave behind lasting impressions.

When he passed away at 70, the controversy over his estate would spread all the way to the Supreme Court. Although he died in 1976, the last of his estate wouldn’t be settled until 2010.

Howard Hughes ended up leaving his billions to a thousand people who had not toiled for it. But Hughes’ story isn’t about him. And it’s not about them. It is about God. We are living in his story.

Howard Hughes played his part, whether large or small, and then he passed on. God gave Hughes “wisdom, knowledge, and skill” to use in God’s story. God will decide whether he used it wisely.

The Teacher’s mistake is one of tunnel vision. He focused too much on the world he could see, failing to hear the story God is telling.

We can avoid the Teacher’s mistake. By listening to the Spirit and tuning into God’s story in our lives, we discover a purpose far greater than fame or fortune. Every moment, every skill, and every opportunity becomes part of His story, guiding us to a life that truly matters.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, may I stop chasing the noise of the world and turn my heart toward Your voice, recognizing that every gift, every talent, and every moment belongs to You; help me use them wisely, to reflect Your glory, and to participate in the story only You can write.

In Jesus’ name.
Amen.