Someone once told me "Finish Well" It was a direct comment to how I finish my life, what legacy do I leave behind. When someone talks to my kids about what kind of man I was what do they say?
It's easy to donate money and have your name on a building or scholarship fund, but what it is that we all have in common...time.
I will fully admit that I did not start well, and until recently I did not utilize the time given to me very effectively. I was selfish, it was my time and I deserved to do with it as I pleased.
Once I started to give freely of my time, that most precious gift, I started to fell the change in my mind and in my spirit...I felt a purpose that I had not felt before, I laughed more, I was happy, content, full of purpose.
Money is fleeting, just as a long list of pro athletes, musicians, and lottery winners. We all have 86400 seconds in a day, no more, no less. It's up to you to figure out how to use them. Are you selfish and choose to use them for yourself, or do you give those precious seconds to you kids, your family, your friends, strangers? It's up to you.
So back to the original statement "Finish Well" I often wonder how people would describe me to my kids after I'm gone. Would it be "he donated a lot of money and has his name on this or that building"? I would rather it be "your father was a man that gave not only of his resources, but of his time, he gave to those that needed it, those who thought they didn't, and those that never know he did"
For me part of finishing well is how I show my kids death. I want them to see that I trust in God that we will cradle me in his arms and that he will say to me "Well done good and faithful servant"
I want to finish well, and I hope you do as well.
Well said, glad you have started a journey of intentional living! Your kids are greatly blessed.
ReplyDeleteVery well written, Paul! Certainly makes me think. Thank you!
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