“I grade students on completion – not content.” I’m sure the blank stare I gave the teacher after that comment left her wondering if I even understood English. This was my girl’s first year in a new school. I was at my first parent – teacher conference of the year… and officially concerned about her educational future! Well, she survived that school year and so did I.

That was the same year I began to intentionally teach her that whatever we do – we must make an effort at it. Not just to finish, but to finish well! When I was growing up, I was taught, ‘you only get out what you are willing to put in.’ I’m not sure who gets the credit for that one because a number of well-known people have put their own spin on that thought. It’s true to a point. We should always invest our best effort.

It’s not always about the ‘doing’ though. Sometimes, it’s the ‘being’ that is the most important and most needed. Like when a friend is going through something hard. They might not need you to do ‘all the things’ as much as they need you to just sit with them and listen to their heart. Learning to do what is right and knowing when to just be still and listen is one of the most important lessons we can learn. It might just require a lifetime of learning.

Psalm 143:10 (CEV) reminds us, “You are my God. Show me what You want me to do, and let Your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path.” Praying that verse and then following God’s lead will help us to do our best and finish well.