Starting and Finishing

Things are always at their best in the beginning. (Blaise Pascal, 17th century French philosopher)

Is this always true? For sure, we like the smell and appearance of a new car (which don’t last long), and a freshly baked apple pie is never as good later. But, on the other hand, the finished work of an artist or composer may seem to improve over time. And, surely, the love of a young couple may grow deeper and stronger as time goes on. Begin well, but finish well, too.

Finishing is better than starting. (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (2 Timothy 4:7)