We’ve been charged with bringing more life and goodness into the world – to create, to produce, and to provide the world with a glimpse of God’s glory through the work of our hands. And this drive to create and complete the work God has given us fuels much of our life. But humility reminds us our life will likely end in this world still with many unfinished symphonies.
To be sure, this is not a point of resignation or an excuse to become lazy. We must use every day God gives us to advance his kingdom of light. There is work that is ours alone to do. And if we don’t do it then it won’t get done.
All the same, the work is never done. There’s likely always more we can do and when we die many things will remain undone. This will not be due to our neglect, but rather the limitations of human life despite eternity being set in our hearts.
For instance, when death comes, there will still be countless conversations we could have with our loved ones – pouring into each other’s lives and building each other up. Our work of love will remain unfinished.
Likewise, there will also be more good we could do in serving our communities – more we could give of our talents and abilities to make a meaningful impact in the world. Certainly, many of the good works written on our hearts will also remain undone.
Recognizing our life will end with unfinished symphonies allows us to live with greater freedom, peace, and hope.
We’re freed to focus on what we can do within the scope of our limitations without feeling like a failure for not being able to do it all. And, in Christ, this life is just the beginning. One day we will finish our symphonies and even more than we can imagine.
In the end, learn to accept you won’t finish every symphony your heart wants to write. But faithfully add a few more notes every day.
