Finishing Well

“When it comes time to die, make sure that all you have to do is die.”

– Jim Elliot

(1927-1956) Missionary

One of the topics of life that we do not seem to deal with a lot in Scouting is that of death.  These are young men and death is not something they spend a lot of time contemplating.  However, the reality is that we are all going to face death one day.  What we do want to teach these young people is how to live.  When we live right and experience life we will always be ready to face death, no matter when it comes.  We do not wish to face an end as the philosopher Henry David Thoreau described: "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

                One of the great goals of life is to use it all up.  We take nothing with us at the end so there is no reason to hold back on life while we have it.  Here are four things we all want to have completed when we come to our end on this earth.

1).  Fulfill your purpose

                We are all here for a reason.  That reason is your purpose, your dream.  Spend all the time you have in fulfilling that purpose and leave nothing behind.  There is not a time in life when we say, "There, that's done and now I have nothing to do."  You have something to do, new dreams and more growth all the way to you last breath.  Live on purpose all the way to the end.

2).  Enjoy life

                One of the tenants of Scouting is to have fun.  That fun does not stop when you grow older or after you have completed the Scouting program.  The people who live the best life are the ones who have the most fun.  Make every day an adventure and enjoy your life to the fullest.  There is so much to discover, do and have fun with.

3).  Have a grateful heart

                The secret to a great life is to live with a heart full of gratitude.  Be thankful for everything and everyone in your life.  Those who have learned to live in gratitude are the people who are happy and never without a smile.  We all face, and will face hard times and difficulties, however, when you know what it is to be grateful you overcome the trials of life and you live in a positive and productive state.

4).  Know God

                The well known Westminster Catechism states, "Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever."  We were created with a purpose and to live a full life, however, above all things, we were created to know and to serve God.  To know God, His love and His presents in your life is the greatest of all joys.  Get to know Him now since you will be spending all eternity with Him.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey