Today was my last official day of work for 2016. I spoke at all 5 of our church's Christmas carols presentations this weekend. It was a lot of fun and it was great to see so many people there, especially so many visitors.
It's now 2 months and 8 days till I finish up in my role as Senior Minister of our church. That's 70 days all up but once you take out holidays and some days off, I only have 31 days of actual work left. That's hard to believe! Especially after being employed for 32 years at the same place.
Early this morning, I was thinking about and reflecting on the idea of a 'finish line' and wrote this poem. Wherever you are in your race, may you be encouraged today.
Ah, I can actually see it now
The finish line
An end to this race
It's not far away
Hard to explain the feeling
To lay down a burden
To let it all go
To actually be done
Surreal but exhilarating
Grief for sure
But more so relief
A fitting conclusion
It's been a long race
Many twists and turns
Hills and valleys
Seemingly unending stretches
Sunshine and rain
Joy and pain
Good friendships
Yet times of feeling alone
Bursts of great speed
Times of catching my breath
Seasons of clarity
Other times only a mist
At times it felt like forever
A race with no end
Caught in a calling
Be faithful to the end
Drinks break ahead
Refresh and refuel
Celebrate the day
Hear the 'well done'
Then what?
Who knows
Another race?
Time will tell
Enjoy the finish line …