Everybody loves a happy ending.
I was underwhelmed by the conclusion of a movie, causing me to wonder what kind of ending is being written to the story of my life. We have much to do with the writing of our own story. Our daily choices are ink on the pages, and those choices will hopefully add up to beautiful tales of courage, sacrifices, lives well-lived, and people well-loved.
Jehoram, king of Judah, and Tabitha, maker of clothing, were strikingly different. They were separated by centuries, station, and gender. One lived in infamy while the other lived in relative obscurity.
Jehoram had the potential to make a name for himself, to rule rightly, and to be a blessing to the people he ruled, but he died to no one’s regret. Wives, children, and a kingdom full of subjects, and not one person regretted his death. A sad commentary.
Then we meet Tabitha "who was always doing good and helping the poor” (Acts 9). She became sick and died. The widows of her community gathered, cried, and showed Peter the robes and clothing she had made for them. One after another, they explained how her love had impacted them. Her loss was so unacceptable that Peter raised her from the dead.
Tabitha was a simple woman who devoted her life to Jesus and touched the lives of all around her. Jehoram was a king who devoted his life to himself and touched no one. When their end was written, the tally of their daily choices added up differently.
Tabitha gave. She allowed her schedule to be interrupted for the good of others. She lived the life God had granted her. She didn't wait for the right time or perfect circumstance to make an impact. Jehoram took. He made life about himself. Although he had a platform for large-scale impact, he squandered his opportunity.
Our stories are still being written. How they end is up to us. God can empower us to live in such a way that we’ll hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" after our earthly chapter has been penned.
Go live your masterpiece!
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Christine Sakwitz blogs at The Beautiful Journey, teaches women’s classes at her church, and homeschools her two children. She has been married for twenty-three happy years to her wonderful husband and loves encouraging women to live full, joyful, high-impact lives. You can find her on Facebook or at www.thebeautifuljourney.com.