Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

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As much as I like the beginning of a new season whether that is the season on the calendar, school, Bible Study, MOPS, or even the elections, there comes a moment when the end is in sight. I spoke last night with my grandgirlie, Kate, and she had finished a week of very hard finals. A big sigh of relief could be heard all the way from California. Another, Tori, is graduating from eight grade in a few weeks, looking forward to entering high school. Her good news came via text: I MADE SRV CHEER!!!! New school. New adventures.

Sometimes, we slog it out and are glad it’s over. Other times, sadness hits when the last hour ends. But I try and remember advice I received many years ago from the teacher of our Bible Study class. It had been a year of hard study and we were approaching the final few weeks. She encouraged us to “not finish somehow” but to “finish well.”

It’s all about attitude. I want to leave nothing on the table, spend every last ounce of energy, holding nothing back, so that God is glorified and the task completed. Integrity, honesty, and balance enter the picture, particularly if a leader, but also for our own personal satisfaction and enjoyment. Who wants to leave the movie fifteen minutes before the end?

But what if the end is not in sight? the battle is not won? That’s the hard part and the point where endurance begins. Giving up is not an option and this side of heaven, it may never end. But God. He promises strength and courage to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Looking back over the roads of life, you may see gravel pits where you stumbled, boulders blocking the path, ditches of despair, sand of entrapment, or slippery paths of temptation but God never let go of your hand. You stand erect today with sins forgiven, new mercies, hope for tomorrow, and the joy of a home in heaven.

Don’t give up.

Finish well!