Finishing Well

In most recent years, I have watched several of my friends enter their 60s. I have observed this to go one of two ways for most: you either age with grace or you age with grumpiness. I have tried to unpack the latter- is it the aches and pains, the diminishing relevance you may find even in your career, the loss of control that comes with the loss of employment. . . . maybe a little of each. Today is the day I get to decide what it's going to be for me. I share these thoughts as not as much as a testimony, but a challenge to hold me accountable if you see age related control issues or grumpiness in me.

In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." Turning 60 is a milestone that brings both gratitude for the years I have behind me as well as fear for what lies ahead. It is a time to pause and ask myself, "How am I running my race? "Am I moving toward the finish line in a way that brings honor to God? I do want to run my race without regret but peace knowing I have lived faithfully keeping my eyes on Jesus. I have just a few reflections about this.

1.  Life is a marathon and not a sprint. It is run through seasons-many seasons-joy, hardship, work, family, growth, dying moments . . . . my influence may shift, but it hasn't ended. I can still love, encourage, and point people to Jesus on the last leg of my marathon. It can be some of the most impactful strides of my life, but not if I am grumpy.

2.  Finishing well requires focus. Good runners do not look backwards-it takes too much energy and affects their stride and time. They keep their eyes on the finish line. Turning 60 is an invitation to release regrets, forgive past failures, deal with the same dying moment once and for all, and keep my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.

3.  My legacy isn't built on huge, extravagant accomplishments, but it is built in my everyday life. It's about how my life is lived every day. Every choice, every word, every act of kindness (and every grumpy act) shapes the legacy I will leave behind. I may have less control over the length of this journey, but I get to decide the depth and impact of my journey every day. A cheerful, gracious spirit speaks volumes to my spouse, children, grandchildren, and friends.

4.  The three Promises (or P's) are still my fuel for this race. God's Presence, the Holy Spirit's Power, and Jesus's Peace are still my fuel for the race. That does not change. This means I do not run this race alone. I never have and I never will. He will provide me with the joy for the remaining steps of my journey.

I leave you with this one question that can be asked no matter what part of the race you are in.... Am I reflecting Christ's joy, or have I let bitterness or grumpiness set in?'

Father, thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for carrying us through every season and for the promise that you will finish the work you have begun in us. Protect us from grumpiness and bitterness. Instead, fill us with joy, gratitude, and patience. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus and to live each day with faithfulness to you. Keep our hearts soft and our spirits joyful so our words and attitudes bring glory to you and life to those around us. Amen