Unfinished

As the CDC announced that it wanted everyone to wear masks in public, I started going through my fabric stash looking for the materials to make masks for my family and friends.

Thankfully, I found enough supplies to make what was needed without any trips to the store. In the process of hunting through the drawers, I discovered several unfinished projects that had been set aside for one reason or another. Some were long-forgotten, others caused me to cringe as I remembered my good intentions, but lack of follow through.

It is easy to start projects, often with great enthusiasm and lofty ideals. Then reality crashes in…maybe in the form of a higher priority or a distraction, an unexpected delay, lack of supplies or a mistake that takes a lot of effort to correct. Whatever the reason, I had several awaiting my attention. As I pondered these half-finished projects, it caused me to reflect on other areas of life where I had great intentions that lacked arrival at the finish line.

Philippians 3:12-14 is a good reminder for me during these times, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

I need to constantly press forward, leaning toward the things I am called to do. If I stumble or get distracted, I need to get back in the race and press toward the goal. Instead of regretting past mistakes or faults, I ask forgiveness and look forward to the finish line. As I heard someone say, “You cannot be an effective runner looking backwards. You need to focus on the finish line.”

Now, especially with less distractions due to the stay-at-home orders, is a great time to finish these projects and spend time asking God for areas that need improvement or refinement. Did you set any goals at the beginning of the year that have been sidelined? Now would be an opportune time to jump back on them and make progress. Are there unfinished projects, studies, tasks that could use a little extra attention right now? Pick one, work on it and bring it to completion. Then start the next one.

Don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed at the number or the size. Pick a small task first and gain some momentum. Or if you just have one large project, break it into smaller pieces and get the first part done. As you see progress, it will create a desire to accomplish more. Keep a journal or list of what you completed. At the end of the year, or season of life, you can look back and see what ground you have gained to completing your race well.

Let’s run to win the prize!