Want to Finish Well?
“Hey, Joe,” called out one American tourist to another as they wandered around a historic village in England. “Look at this plaque. It says this church is 500 years old! Can you believe it?”Spying an older man watching them while sitting on a bench sucking his pipe, Joe went over and asked, “Excuse me, sir. Could you tell us if any great men or women were born in this village?”“Nope,” said the man. “Only babies.”Being British by birth and upbringing, I love hearing stories about Americans and Brits. I especially like this one because the old man’s answer contains such a profound truth:
- We all begin as babies
- We all make choices that shape who we become and what our lives amount to
- We can all finish well
What “finishing well” means might vary with each of us but here are five characteristics to consider—whatever age or stage you are at today.To Finish Well:
- Don’t drift. Keep your relationship with God vibrant, real, and growing to the end
- Stay curious. Keep a learning posture—about yourself, God, the culture, technology…
- Be willing to change your ways. Hunger after Christlikeness and reject stubbornness
- Have integrity. Live so your convictions are evident
- Leave behind something of value. Invest your life in what honors God
Take a moment and reflect on these five characteristics. What do you need to pay attention to now so you might finish well?Blessings,
Poppy SmithInternational speaker, multi-published author, Bible teacher, and spiritual coachInspiring Women to Thrive! Permission to use this article is granted provided the following credit is fully included.Poppy Smith is funny, warm, and passionate about helping women grow spiritually and personally so they experience the love and power of Christ in life’s ups and downs. A former teaching leader with Bible Study Fellowship, Poppy has a Masters in Spiritual Formation and ministers extensively as a retreat and conference speaker both in the US and around the world. For more information about Poppy’s heart, her books and ministry, please visit her website at www.poppysmith.com.