Finishing

Those of you that read books often, understand the value of finishing.  You know that incredible feeling we have when we turn that last page of the last chapter and close the book with an accompanying sigh, signifying the completion of something worth completing.  As of this morning, I have gotten to experience that feeling twice in the past 12 hours.

Last night, Garin and I worked our way through the final three chapters of Prince Caspian.  We celebrated with High King Peter, King Edmund, Queen Susan and Queen Lucy as they...well, I'll not say here, just in case any of you plan on reading the book or seeing the movie.  Let's just say, Garin and I got to talk about Jesus' returning and throwing a party when he does!

Then this morning, I wrapped up Eat This Book.  I had indicated that I probably wouldn't post again on the book, but I think I probably have one more in me, but not this morning.  The last chapter of the book is called "The Message," and is the longest chapter of the book.  It could have been three different chapters, but I have to admit that I may have enjoyed it more than all the other chapters.  If you are one of the people who have gotten the book or are listening to the book, DON'T MISS CHAPTER NINE!

Anyway, I love that feeling of finishing.  I have read a lot of books, and finished most of them.  Every time I finish one, I have the same sense of satisfaction.  I love it.  It makes me think of other things that I want to finish well.  In this story, I finish chapters with the same satisfaction, since the final chapter won't be finished until I leave this world.  When I got married, I was satisfied that I finished the dating chapter of my life.  When we both finished college and graduate school, I was satisfied that I finished the school chapter.  When Garin was born, I was satisfied that I was finished with the DINK chapter.  When Garin started talking, I was satisfied that I finished the infant chapter (only to rediscover it again, six years later!).  I look forward to some chapters and not so much to others.  My chapters will include death and sickness, love and loss, hope and failure, but in the end all I want is to be satisfied at the end of every chapter...and I don't want to put the book down in the middle of any of them!

I love life.  I love being a man.  I love being a husband.  I love being a father to a daughter and a son.  I love being a pastor.  I love being an artist.  I love following Jesus - even if there are often more questions than answers.  This book is a good book, and I'm privileged to call it my book.