[on ending well.]

Ever since I can remember, the concept of ending well has always been on my mind and always been something that has been important to me.

My first ever sport was running track and I started at age 5 for the Elgin Sharks. I remember my coach distinctly talking about endings. I remember getting in trouble if we didn't sprint the last 200 yards [at least] even on the longest run. 

I remember learning that although the ending is not the most important part [that would be the consistent and steadfastness in the middle] but it is, however, the part that people [including yourself] will remember the most as time goes on. It's the part where you see the end and have two options:

1. Recognize and accept your place in the race, choosing stagnancy and simply having the goal of finishing. 

2. Giving It ALL. YOU'VE. GOT.

Philippians 3:13-14 says;

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"

It's no secret that I'm getting ready to close a chapter of my life that I have loved. But I'd be lying to you if I didn't admit that there is another part of me that's excited to move forward and pursue new things. In that, it's really easy and really tempting for me to coast to the end knowing its soon.

It's easy and tempting for me to just accept I'm leaving and stop trying as hard.

It's easy and tempting to start closing my heart to relationships because I know that will make leaving easier.

It's easy and tempting for me to accept what's mediocre instead of pursuing what is hard.

And it's easy and tempting for me to not even admit this to you today.

But I have to. I have to because I know I'm not going to choose what is easy and tempting.

The Lord has called me to be obedient to completion; not just obedient while I'm excited or obedient while it benefits me or obedient when I'm gaining something in return. He's called me to be obedient all the way through.

He has called me to be obedient till the end.

Friends, He asks me to finish well. 

And I want to.

I want to finish well. 

So here's my vow:

I won't shy away from what's difficult
I won't stop investing in my people.
I won't settle for what's mediocre.

I hope you'll hold me to it.

xoxo

Aly