Is Finishing the Most Important Part?
“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; the patient in spirit are better than the proud in spirit.”
I loved high school and was involved in almost everything. My attitude was great for my social life, but not for my grade point average. I got into college because several teachers wrote that I wasn’t as dumb as my grades made me look. After a near-disastrous first semester of college, I buckled down, set priorities, and committed to always finishing what I start. 40 years after I graduated from college, my daughter made fun of me, saying that Dad finishes every book he starts, even if he finds he doesn’t like it. While I knew she was teasing me, I took it as a compliment. Yet, my commitment to always finish what I start isn’t always the right decision.
The problem is that life rarely has a clear beginning and end. You do not finish being a good spouse or parent (even when your daughter is 35 years old!!!). Thomas Oppong, in his article “You’ll Never ‘Finish’ the Things That Matter Most in Life. This Will Change How You Live,” wrote, “There’s no finish line for the most important things in life.” Oppong reminds the reader that, for example, work is never finished. If you strive to finish your work, your family will suffer. I have fallen into that trap throughout my career, and I appreciate my wife and daughter’s forgiveness.
Thomas Oppong reminds us, “The plate never clears, I’m afraid. We can’t apply the same finite principle to life.” Instead of finishing, Oppong announces, “I’m interested in the practice. It helps me stop dwelling on the outcome.” Like the old joke about trying to find a good doctor that still isn’t “practicing medicine,” I will strive to finish the reading, the daily tasks, etc., but I will attempt to practice life, knowing that I will never finish until this life is complete. Focusing less on finishing and more on enjoying the moment should provide more meaning and fulfillment than simply checking another item off my list.
Today, think back on your life and the times when you were motivated and productive. What inspired you? When were you caught in a rut or ignoring a vital part of your life? Answering these two questions will help you define how to approach your decision-making so you can make the most of your time in this life. Prayerfully ask God to guide your planning and implementation so you can accomplish tasks. Yet also seek the unfinished path so you can appreciate the creative journey of growing, learning, and experiencing the ways God surprises you. Practice life with vision and excitement, knowing God has something special in store for you. Finish what is necessary, and practice what is essential for a faithful and meaningful life!
