Jimbo's Jots

There is a stack of seven books on my desk. Books that I am currently reading. Currently reading. As in, I’ve at least started the book, but have yet to finish.

I have a small problem. (Some would argue I have more that one, but that is another writing.) The problem is not reading the books or even purchasing the books. But I will hear of a book, as referenced by an online class I’m taking on anxiety in which the instructor is the author of the book, and I will buy it. So I have added that to two other books in the wings that I have decided not to start until I get through at least one or two of the other ones.

Don’t even ask me how many times I’ve tried running by a “couch to 5K” type program. Again, I can start, but at some point for whatever reason, I stop at some point.

Start to finish can be an issue. It’s an issue when I feel I’m not getting anything out of it. It’s an issue when I make excuses for not honoring my own commitment to self. It’s an issue because I get easily distracted by other things, more “fun” things, less “exerting energy” things.

This mindset can also affect our relationships. As a parent, when we praise our kids for the “performance” or express displeasure for “failure to perform”, we start parenting, but is it because it makes us look good as a parent. Maybe “finishing” parenting comes in time we spend and share our faith story how God loves us regardless of our “performance”. Maybe “finishing” parenting comes when we share with our kids that in everything we do God is to be honored with our life.

Remember that the “fruit” of our labor as parents will be seen in how we “finish” parenting our kids. In other words, what others see from our kids will be a product of our parents. So let’s grow our kids from start to finish.

Be blessed and be a blessing!