How would you end your book?

How would you purposefully end your book?

For Solomon, as he completed his autobiography, he wrote the following.

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A man, after an incredible journey of wisdom and riches, left us with these words as the whole conclusion of life.

Fear of God our Father is a great thing, a must, evidence of faith. Imagine a child with no fear of their father?

But, there is something else that strikes me. It is believed by scholars that Ecclesiastes was written about 300 years before the arrival of Christ. Solomon knew God and he knew all the prophecies of Him sending his Son, Jesus, to earth. However, he never witnessed it. Maybe, “fear of God” compelled him to a life of obedience.

Today, we know, we have heard. We have read about the love of Christ, how he healed, loved, provided. How he would leave the 99 for the one. And, ultimately, how He would lay down His life for us. There is no greater love. Today, it is this love that compels us to a life of obedience. Love-driven.

The last words of a book are, no doubt, important. For my book, I took great care, as it was written for my kids.

The Anchor ends with 9 rules for living that I wrote to my kids. When I am gone, I pray they cherish these rules. Additionally, I end with the story of Peter, my favorite disciple in the Bible. He failed often, but always came back to Christ. I want my kids to know that their lives, too, will be made up of failures. Let these be temporary and turn back to Jesus.

Maybe, this is the year you embark on writing a book for your family, your kids. If you are over-whelmed at the thought or have trouble getting started, check out the The Anchor Seasons Journal for a list of questions and thought starters to get you going. Send me a note, and I will send you a copy.

Some friends have taught me how to have a word for the year. The thought is to focus, direct your annual journey by the selected word. The word should serve as a compass.

My word for the year: Vanity.

Vanity was given to me by Solomon, as he described his life’s journey. Vanity framed in the right way is life-giving. When I think of life as being all vanity, I am immediately pointed to the Creator. Vanity makes me love more and live more purposefully.

Thanks for the book, Solomon.

Impact others. Live generously.