Finishing Well

Finish well. 

It's a strange phrase. The kind of phrase, that beckons forth an allotted quantity of inner strength and courage, in order to overcome all obstacles. It is statement that one must embody the characteristic of endurance and perseverance. Sounds like something you say to an athlete. I mean doesn't this define the mindset of a winner?

I brought this up because if you have spent any length of time around my dad or the World Race, you have probably heard this lingering phrase. It gets lodged in your mind and try as you may, you can never seem to shake the daunting challenge it prevents. Granted, I've used this phrase a number of times this past year with all of the male Real Life leaders. I've said it enough times, to make it a catch phrase. A catchphrase, I doubt that is something worth being known for. 

I say this because this is something that has been on my mind this past well, as I converse with leaders out on the field. They have one week left of ministry in their perspective countries, after which, they are back home in the States. After this week, they will be done with the opportunities that presented themselves. It will be an end to visiting hospitals, slums, orphanages, and schools. No more relief work or spending time with refugees. No more bar ministry or sex-trafficking education for those at risk. No more goodnights hugs or "I love yous" for special-needs orphans. No more feeding the homeless. No more late night conversations. No more first-time "hellos." No more smiles for those who cannot find joy. In one week, they will find themselves exiting a plane in Hartsfield-Jackson airport. In a week, their trips will have been completed. The work set before them, will be finished. 

So why does a phrase like "finish well," carry such weight in these times?

I feel that it presents itself with two equally important reasons. First, it deals with living life to it's fullest. Honestly, living with regret and subsequently, unfullfillment. I feel that this statement checks motives and actions of the heart, with the nagging question of "Why are you here?"  In theory, individuals come to a conclusion that they are in a position to serve a purpose, hence selfishness and narcissism are not an option. In short, it's a gut-check.

The other deals with ending a season. My dad always told myself and my brothers that how we ended a season, will determine who we enter the next. The older I become, the more I am realizing the truth in this statement. Finishing well means ending a season with honor, integrity, service, and intentionality. Because if I can show that in the current season, I know that I will maintain those at a greater degree in the next one. 

Maybe this statement is more than a catchphrase, yet more complex than a morale booster. 

What does this phrase mean to you?