Select Page

On Eternity

by Jan 31, 2025

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” — Ecclesiastes 3:11

According to Jewish tradition, King Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. Together with Job, Psalms, Proverbs and Song of Songs, it comprises the books of wisdom, a collection of poetry that explores the human condition.

Teachings on wisdom from the wisest man to live is likely worth reading, especially considering the human soul remains relatively unchanged from the souls of our ancestors, forever pursuing a quest for significance. Technology may progress to new spheres, but our hearts are still struggling with the same questions as they were centuries ago.

The Proverbs have served as a comforting reference during this season at NUHS. But I find the inexplicable feeling of peace in my darkest nights, or equally mysterious twinge of grief during my brightest hours, is best revealed by this small yet mighty concept that is subtly tucked into chapter three of Ecclesiastes.

The verse lends understanding to much of what is dissonant in human experience. We are told that all of us have “eternity in the heart” and yet, “no one can fathom it.” If that is the case, it is no wonder we experience clashing sensations and mysterious paradoxes.

We are told that at our deepest level, we yearn to be in another state altogether. One where we are fully known, absolutely worthy, and truly accepted – naked and unashamed as it is expressed in Genesis. And yet, we cannot fully grasp it.

As Dr. Timothy Keller writes, “We sense a reality that exists outside time and we long for it. We long for life and love without parting, for final triumph over evil, for many things this world cannot give.”

Perhaps this is why humans are inexorably drawn to story, especially those that recount other worlds, and the battle between good and evil. As naturopathic doctors, it is essential to understand this proclivity of the soul. As the saying goes, sometimes people need stories more than food to stay alive.

How can we help our patients find meaning in their own stories and the places they keep within their families and greater communities? I haven’t figured this out yet. But I do know that the concept of eternity abiding in the core of every heart is a good place to start.

Read more Naturopathic Medicine student blogs here.

Subscribe to Our Blog

Follow NUHS on Social Media

About the Author

Leah Gusching

Leah Gusching

Greetings! I am a student of natural medicine because I enjoy the beauty reflected in the human body and spirit. I believe the best medicine is the gift of grace that, once received, heals the posture of the heart. To relax, I like talking with my husband, reading books, and swimming in the ocean when available. Please feel free to reach out!

0 Comments

Related Posts

On Pain

On Pain

As physicians who primarily treat pain, our curriculum is, in a way, dedicated to eliminating this undesirable state for our patients. We rarely, however, take time to consider the roots of pain itself. 

read more
On Surrender

On Surrender

As students, we often lament that school is hard, implying an unspoken expectation that life should not be hard. This assumption is dangerous because beauty results from difficultly. The times in life when we are desperate invite us to recognize a grand plan, one that extends beyond our own life, and surrender to it.

read more
On Delight

On Delight

This simple metaphor captures a complex concept. In a handful of words, Hafez illustrates a helpful psychological principle that also comprises the theological core of the world’s largest religion – that of relationship based on mutual delight, adoration and love.

read more

Defining the future of integrated health care.