- Follow through on your commitment.
When you look back at the end of the season, you don’t want to wonder what would have happened if you had done your part. Think about the team agreement you signed or the introductory meeting you attended. What did the coach say that motivated you to become a part? Finishing strong means keeping your word, doing what you said you would do, even when things aren’t going your way. Simply put, just keep showing up at the assigned time.
- Rediscover the excitement you had at the beginning of the season to help propel you towards the finish.
What part of the sport made you want to join in and play? What about that part do you enjoy the most? Rekindling the original flame that sparked an interest can be just the right tool to keep you moving through to the end of the season. Remember the progress you’ve experienced throughout the weeks or months and use it as a building material for the next phase.
- Do the best you can with what you have.
Last track season, my daughter was injured during the second meet of the season and couldn’t participate for weeks. She couldn’t run or do anything active and staying home made a lot of sense. But she chose to attend the meets anyways and in doing so, she found herself cheering on everyone else. It wasn’t what she had planned to do when she signed up, but she discovered she really enjoyed seeing others meet their goals and encouraging them to do so. Finishing strong didn’t mean she crossed the finish line; it meant she supported her team. Always ask yourself: What is the best thing I can do in this situation? How can I help my team, no matter the circumstances?
- Ask the Lord for strength beyond your abilities.
Samson is known as the strongest man in the Bible. Without diving into all the details, his phenomenal strength was also his demise. At the end of his life, he asked God for power beyond his own abilities, just one last time. God granted his request and Samson had revenge on his enemies. While your child may not receive physical strength, as Samson did, God always answers our prayers. His promise to provide strength may come in the form of emotional strength to handle the difficulties or mental strength for clarity in the situation.
God doesn’t always provide strength in the way we ask, but he does promise to provide.
He is our strength. My prayer is that one or more of these ideas has encouraged you to help your child learn what it means to finish strong and that you feel empowered as a parent to help them keep going, even when life is hard.
Rachel @rachelwojo.com 
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