Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking around the idea of finishing well. Retirement at my workplace seems imminent as many of my colleagues have already decided to bring their careers to a close. As I enter my 30th year of work this fall, I will be the oldest teacher on staff at the Christian school where I’ve had the blessing to work most of my adult life. In the past month I’ve also stepped down from two board roles that have occupied my time for a number of years, so endings are all around me.
The thought I’ve kept returning to is how I will know if I have “run the race well?” Perhaps the ideas expressed in Psalm 71 can provide some guidance. Here are a few highlights of the truths expressed by the psalmist:
- God is a rock and fortress
- God “took” me from my mother’s womb, I am his
- Doubters may question God’s presence in my life
- When I look back at my life I can see God’s mighty deeds
- Although I’ve experienced difficulties in my life, God has revived me for his glory
- God has redeemed my soul
Pondering those precious thoughts brings me to the motivation behind declaring God’s power in my life. Although I may not see firsthand the impact or legacy of my work, I can rest in the knowledge that when I declare God’s power he will multiply my words and actions to influence the next generation. That is all I can ask for!
Heavenly Father, I can’t begin to thank you enough for your blessings in my life. I thank you for the many people who have spoken of your glory and encouraged me to persevere. May my life be characterized by giving praise to you so that those who follow after me may also declare your righteousness.
Throughout This Day: Take advantage of every opportunity you have to let someone know that they have influenced you to follow after Christ.
Photo Credit: Yury Kirillov on Unsplash