My goodreads account has a standing list of books thirteen strong on my currently reading bookshelf.
Thirteen books started…when will I finish them? Why have I started so many books? Why can’t I just finish one? (Please tell me I’m not the only one with this chronic condition of start-book-itis!) I’m working on finishing them but the other day when I checked my list and saw that I had started so many books I was equal parts amused and appalled at myself. When did I forget to finish what I started?
Growing up, my Mom saw something in me as a child that helped her realize what might be the hardest struggle for me: finishing the task I started. And as a result anytime I would start a puzzle, a game, playing with a toy or even clean-up, she forced me to finish what I had started so I would have that discipline later in life.
Now at twenty-seven years old I am now responsible for making myself finish the tasks I’ve started and I can say that there is a temptation to simply move on when things get hard. But that’s where the rubber meets the road…deciding that the hardest things I’ll ever do may be to finish when things get tough. When friendships get hard to really dig down into the grit and to do the hard heart work. (there is a reason those two words rhyme). When leadership gets hard and it’s easier to avoid the confrontation — but you know growth only occurs through tension. When my relationship with Jesus gets hard and physically hurts – this is the finishing of the work He has begun.
We are not saved until we walk through the pearly gates. We are not whole until we are complete through Christ. We are not finished until we are taken up into Heaven.
But we can decide to finish the work we have been entrusted with here on earth.
I recently had a wake up call in my friendships and realized that sometimes what we perceive as progress can be perceived as regression by others. Sometimes we think we’re being strong and others see it as overbearing. We’re gifted two ears and one mouth for a reason – I love to talk, but I’m learning to love to listen. I’m learning to open up my heart to listening and growing through the knowledge I gain in that. Listening to another’s heart is a gift. Learning to love listening is also a gift.
I firmly believe that allowing God to finish the work started in us starts with listening. To His voice. To the voices of leadership in our lives. To the voices of friends in our lives. And to listen to the voices of a hungry world. What are they asking for? What have you been entrusted with that you need to work on finishing?
I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. {II Corinthians 8:11}