Finishing Well

King Solomon wrote of various seasons that mark our human experience, declaring

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

For those who can see six or more decades in their rearview mirror, there comes an increasing awareness of a limited horizon – a shrinking number of remaining days before our graduation.

Understanding that life itself is a gift from God, alerts us to that day of accountability for the time, talent, and treasure that He entrusted to us. The concluding chapters of our earthly life provide an opportunity for FINISHING WELL and finishing strong.

When fellow septuagenarian Jud McGowan approached me with the idea of forming a men’s group that would engage a guided discussion over how we might best steward various facets of these closing decades of life, my heart resonated with the value of such a process.

Our first group of a dozen men met this Spring to explore six vital areas: Why finish Well, Life’s Seasons, Knowing God, Knowing Self, Addressing Relationships, and Getting our House in Order. It was quite surprising to see how quickly our discussions exposed authentic concerns along with keen insights toward practical steps we could take on this journey.

One participant, Dale Claytore, describes his experience with the group this way:

The six-week program was remarkedly insightful in terms of realizing what is and what is not truly important in life. Each lesson was carefully structured in a way that shed light on a specific important topic; and each lesson was enriched by open and authentic peer discussion. The experience is undeniable beneficial for the man that desires to FINISH WELL.

In fact, so meaningful and practical was our Finishing Well discussion that this group continues to meet monthly to dig deeper into this stewardship quest. In addition, I’ll be leading two more new groups are now in formation at Grace Fellowship Church – one meeting on Monday morning and the other on Tuesday evening beginning September 19^th and 20^th.

You can find out more and sign up for one of these groups on our website.

We can always opt to allow our clock to wind down aimlessly. Or we could intentionally pursue wisdom that enables us to finish well. A prudent effort might include taking steps to….

Grow into deeper spiritual maturity in our walk with God
Repair a broken relationship or open a new authentic chapter with family or others
Prepare our finances and final arrangements in a way that best serves our family
Engage healthy habits and serving opportunities
Invest in other’s lives through a mentoring friendship

Surprisingly this desire to Finish Well is not a modern concept at all. It echoes Moses’ prayer some 3500 years ago!

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. Psalm 90:12