Finish Lines

Yesterday I passed a finish line.  For twenty-four weeks during the school year, I tutor in a home school program called Classical Conversations.  Three of my kids attend classes, while I teach in the morning and afternoon.  It's not nearly the big deal that teaching 5 classes a day in a public high school was once-upon-a-time.  But, it does require a significant amount of time in preparation and time is a precious commodity for this momma of five!  So, yesterday we finished; and as after any race, I feel tired, exhilarated, accomplished and thankful!  Quite honestly, I love finish lines.  I love checking off the box and knowing that I have seen something through from beginning to end.  But, as I grow older finish lines seem to be more elusive.  Probably the most important undertakings in my life have no finish line. . . although I once believed they did.  You never finish raising kids or having a great marriage.  You never pass that line after which no more effort or heart is required from you.  You never get to land in a place with your kids and husband where you can say, "I'm done and I did a good job."  In fact, lots of people through in the towel precisely because there doesn't seem to be a finish line.  There is no end in sight to all the struggles and investment; so they bring a premature end themselves.  That is the last thing I want to do.  But speaking honestly, relationships take much  more energy, time and heart than I have to offer.  So even as I cross one finish line this week, I am begging God for energy to run these other races well.  And this week I am camping out in a few verses in Romans:  "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. . ."  (Romans 15: 4,5)  Endurance and encouragement is exactly what I need in these days of flagging energy and discouragement.  And evidently, God is an unending reservoir of these things.  He gives through the scriptures, but He gives in many other creative ways.  Like yesterday when He encouraged me through wonderful parents, teachers and colleagues.  My heart is full.  I am grateful.  Other races don't end, but God stands ready and willing to pour endurance and encouragement into my heart each day.