I nearly passed by the above verse, written by Paul to his young protege penned as reflection on his life, which had been filled to overflowing, not with material success, but with preaching, walking, shipwreck, tentmaking, and before his conversion, with persecution of others for following The Way.

I first read it in disbelief, for as a layman, I am working to be dad to my kids, rebooting and resetting my life after being on the road for my work many many years! But then something occurred to me. My focus for the last three years HAS been working to mentor my children in many ways, not the least of which is worship and service.

So, what is Paul saying if not that he was tired, ready to move on, and passing on the torch to Timothy? For me, this morning, he was saying, "Don't give up! The finish line is ahead!"

You've read of my stumbles, lessons, my teaching to my kids, even my fears! But in those lessons, I wrote also of what God had imparted to me an example which prepared and continues for the final day of my life, which still lies ahead. I AM fighting the good fight! I have not lost the faith! And it is a note of thanks that God has, through the troubles and suffering of life, led me and kept me near His side!

Life is nothing if not a series of school rooms in which we live many times through the angst of unwanted suffering, but whether humility is brought upon us through those valleys of trial, or some other lesson, God works to mold us to be His witnesses on earth, preparing us for heaven. For in the final page of life, the words humility and wisdom must be part of our makeup. We cannot enter our rest until we live Jesus' example of submitting to God's will.

Lord, we submit this day to you, that through our work, our play and our lives, our children will seek You, live humbly, and display Your glory.