Finishing well

Jehoram was 32 years old when he became King, he reigned for 8 years, then the Bible records ‘he passed away, to no one’s regret.’ (2 Chronicles 21.20)

What a sorrowful epithet. Never mind all the good things that Jehoram may have accomplished in his life, the bad things far outweighed them and stuck like spikes in everyone’s memory.  He lived life badly, with poor choices, sour relationships, stinging words, harsh actions, right to the bitter end. There were no regrets when he died. What a sad ending.

One life, that’s all we’re given. Full of potential and promise, ours to use as we will. How we live will determine how we’re remembered. Wise choices, strong relationships, encouraging and inspiring words, gentle actions – these will ensure we finish well, and our passing will not leave a sour taste in people’s mouths.

Finishing well means being intentional; making deliberate choices to repair broken relationships, to redeem wasted time. It may require making a fearless moral inventory, the courage to right wrongs, forgive offenses, let go of bitterness and grudges, to turn scars into stars, negatives to positives, doubts into faith.

One life. Finish it well and your legacy will influence for good future generations.

By Debi Bell