FINISHED!

This is what we call the "home stretch" ladies and gentlemen. That last part where you're running past the crowded bleachers cheering you on, and you think your legs are going to give out, but you keep going because not only would your fans be disappointed if that happened, but it would be extremely embarrassing, so you muster up all the strength you have left to cross that glorious white line at the end that had beckoned you from the sound of that starting gun shot. The only thing standing between me and my finish line is 4 more days of high school graduation, school responsibilities, packing, despedida-ing, cleaning and all of the above- which means everything I forgot. It's been quite the race these past few months. Of course, never complete without its struggles and challenges- but that's what makes the finish line so beautiful!
Yesterday as the high school students were leaving school for the last time this year, one student stepped out to cross the street as his mom was calling his name from the other side, and he got hit by a U-haul type truck right in front of the school. By God's grace he seems to be doing ok as he's recovering in the hospital.
With that in mind, I'm reminded that heaven is my finish line and technically speaking, every day is my "home stretch." You've heard it said, "We aren't promised tomorrow." And if that's the case, we have to run each day with all we have left. Praise God there IS a finish line- the hope of heaven and the physical presence of Christ. The hard work and struggles of this life aren't in vain when we know the Saving God (Romans 5:3-5). And the harder we run our life's race for God's glory, I believe the more beautiful our finish line will look.
I'm gathering all my strength to finish up strong here in Peru and I can't wait to see you all as I cross the finish line on December 21st :)