Well Done

As this year—and perhaps one day my life—draws to a close, I find myself with fewer ambitions and more gratitude.

Because somewhere along the journey, my definition of success changed. I used to think success meant achieving more. Now I believe success means loving more. I used to think success meant climbing higher. Now I believe success means walking humbly. I used to think success meant being impressive. Now I believe success means being faithful.

Because after an entire lifetime, I have come to understand something Solomon knew and Paul proclaimed. God was never asking me to become famous. He never asked me to become unstoppable. He simply asked me to trust Him. To love people. To walk humbly. And to remain faithful.

I no longer dream of hearing the world say, “Well done.” I dream of hearing heaven say it. Not because I was perfect. Not because I got everything right. But because I kept walking. Because I kept trusting. Because I kept returning to Him.

And when I look back over the years, I can honestly say this: God has been faithful. His grace was enough. His mercies were new every morning. And if I had to live it all over again—I would still choose Him. Because He was always the treasure. He was always the destination. He was always enough.

And honestly—I think that’s a beautiful life.

Jesus finished His race. And because He did, we have hope. And because He was faithful, we can be faithful too.

Paul wrote: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” And by God’s grace, perhaps we will one day say the same.