“Ecclesiastes and Job are my two favourite books,” I tell her.

Because I’m a pessimist.

Or…

Because the books strip human nature to its bare flesh and show us for who we are.

I see my classmates getting it. When you put twenty writers in a room together, you inevitably get desperate attempts to decode human nature and purpose on pieces of lined paper.

“Ecclesiastes and Job are my two favourite books.”

Because they have helped me get through the weeks and years that end with question marks and the days that end with tear-filled prayers.

I nod along with Job: “Man who is born of woman is few of days and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1)

And Solomon too: “What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 2:22)

I get what they are saying. My classmates get it. My friends get it.

But not everyone knows what Job says between groans. What has my heart filled with joy every morning and restless evening…

“For I know that my Redeemer lives.” (Job 19: 25)