End well. 

Most people I know want that. Whether retiring from a job or from life. 

No one wants people to be thankful you’ve left the building. To be excited to never see your face again. To utter “Glad he’s gone.”

You want to go out on a high. To finish the race with a final kick that pushes you over the finish line. 

What’s the best way for that to happen? Try harder? Train more? 

What about staying faithful? Committed to your promises? Aligning your behaviors with earlier words?

The above certainly help. Faithfulness and integrity leave a great wake in your life. Especially amongst those who occupy days and years with you.

Life in Jesus isn’t meant to be a slog, though. Ending well can easily become a never-ending hamster wheel wondering when God will let you off for a snack. Or replace you with a nicer furry pet.

Which is why I love how most worship services I attend end. They end well.

I hail from a strain of Christianity that sends me into the world not telling me to do more. Or behave better. Or strive higher.

I’m sent with a simple blessing. 

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” 

32 words of promise. 32 words of grace. 32 words reminding me God’s favor is my source for ending well. 

His love for me fills me with love. His promise and provision empower me to faithfulness. Daily.

The Aaronic blessing offers words of rest and hope that carry me across the finish line for a great ending. 

Each day. Every week. All the years of my life.

God’s favor is key to ending well. Thanks to Jesus.