Ending well

Whether graduating from school or into a new season of life, it is important to end well. Ending well allows us to honor what was and freely open to all that is to come.

Many life transitions are uneventful. For instance, we tend not to think much about the passing of each day.

However, some transitions require more intentionality to end well. For example, graduating from school, moving to a new job or city, and the ending of certain seasonal relationships.

While these are fairly common endings, it still important to clearly mark the end, honor the past and how it has changed us, and live in hope for the good still to come.

Make it Clear

Endings are more difficult when there is not a clear conclusion. We need the curtains to close, the credits to roll, or the finale to play to clearly mark important endings.

A graduation ceremony, for instance, distinctly marks the end of one’s academic career. It’s a finale that leaves no question of status –the student is now an alumnus.

Without a clear end, we might be stuck in limbo – neither letting go of the past nor fully living in the present.

Honor the Change

Whatever we are leaving behind has shaped us into who we are today. As such, our past should hold an honored place in our story.

This does not mean we hold on to it any longer than necessary or have any desire to repeat it.

However, we can bless it and be grateful. Even when we are leaving a painful season, this season has still allowed us to become who we are today.

Live in Hope

Finally, we also need hope in order to end well. Hope reminds us that our story is not over yet.

Whether the season coming to a close was painful or joyful, it is not the final word.

Knowing we are still on the way toward the good God has for us allows us to freely let go of what is passing and fully open to all that is yet to come.

Confusion, stagnation, and despair are often the result when we do not end something well.

Ending well allows us to bless what has been and live with an eager expectation of all the good God still has in store for us.