Getting to the Finish Line

"I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." —2 Timothy 4:7

So many times we wish to just get to the finish line and finish the race. The finish line can be the end of a project, after a big event, or a life changing occurrence. If you think about life being one race after another, the finish line could also be when we leave Earth. We worry so much about what needs to be done, how we will do it and manage it all, if we can accomplish it and if we will survive it. We take on responsibilities and tasks that are daunting, and suffer many anxieties all along the way until we finish, and then, we wonder why we put so much wasted energy into needless worry.

Living in the moment, minute by minute, and trying to stay in the present is always the solution—taking one task at a time and being fully present to it. Those who suffer from addiction face this challenge every day: living one day at a time. For those who suffered trauma and abuse, this is a constant battle. A battle that is wished upon no one, not even enemies.

When you think you can't do it, when you feign happiness and joy because it is expected of you, when you feel hopeless, useless and unworthy, when you feel unclean, dirty, guilty and burdened, getting to the finish line is the best goal we can imagine. In horrible situations of despair and isolation, some bring the finish line closer than it should be. Some feel that their burdens are too much to bear. And yet, there is joy, and blessings can be found all around us.

The next time you have been given the responsibility or taken on the responsibility of a large project or event, such as Thanksgiving dinner for 30 people, remember the moments of anxiety and overwhelming feelings of dread that you might go through, and then, think of those who live in that place of fear all the time. No wonder they just want to get to the finish line.

Work is a prayer—may it all be transformed into a prayer for all victims of abuse and trauma, that their burdens may be lightened by our attention to them, acceptance of them and love for them. May all of the in-between space before you reach the finish line be marked with joy and blessings.





This article is the copyrighted property of National Catholic Services, LLC. All rights reserved. To provide constructive feedback, or request permission to redistribute, please communicate with: editor@virtus.org

This article is not part of your continuing training. To access your required bulletins you must log in using the form in the upper left-hand corner of the screen. Then go to the TRAINING tab.

What is Your Opinion?

Do you use a filter or monitoring software at home?