Lessons From My Dad: It's Not How You Drive, But How You Arrive

I have so many lessons from my dad that have marked my life. Today’s lesson: It’s not how you drive, but how you arrive. Dad loved to play golf. I did not inherit his passion, but grew to appreciate the many life lessons in golf. One lesson he taught me is key. You can hit a bad shot off the tee, but quickly recover the lost shot by putting well. We all want to finish the journey well. Dad’s principle is great advice on how to end well in life. Jesus, too, reminds us of the importance of ending well in Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents. He exhorts his followers to desire to live in a way that invites the response, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” We live in a broken world. The road and the journey are hard. As we “drive” through life, we will inevitably hit potholes, breakdown, experience roadblocks, and fight traffic. But we want to “arrive” and reach the destination with grace and strength, fortitude and conviction. Grace always allows you to start anew. Don’t let past mistakes cripple you. Always focus on ending well. As I have heard someone say recently, “The kingdom clock is ticking.” We do not know the hour or the day when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36). But we must stay vigilant, hopeful, aware, sober-minded and live as intentionally as possible. Please end well! After all, like my dad always said, “It’s not how you drive, but how you arrive.”