"Finish Well": A Tribute to Wayne A. Robinson
Hanging on the wall in my study where I pastor is a matted picture frame containing an original piece penned by the gifted poet himself entitled, "I Want To Finish Well". Over thirteen years ago my wife and I received this piece as a wedding gift from our dear brother in Christ. On that day we received numerous other gifts, most of which have long since been lost, broken, or simply forgotten. But not Wayne's, uniquely and fittingly it has endured through the years.
I'm confident I'll never meet another quite like him. When we first crossed paths I was an arrogant, brash young man who often revealed the true colors of my personal insecurities through what I thought was flashy fashion. That is until I first saw Wayne standing there in the foyer of the church wearing that ardent purple pen-striped double-breasted suit. As he handed out bulletins and shook hands with folks entering the worship center I was drawn to him. It appeared I was not the only one (I suppose it is virtually impossible for a man dressed that bright and flamboyant not to attract people). However, it was not simply the expression of fashion that captivated people's attention it was the expression on his face. He bore a smile with a luminescence that matched his wardrobe. I would soon come to realize that the effervescence of his smile was the outflowing of his divinely changed heart.
Wayne deeply loved and cared for people. He was an encourager, prayer warrior and loyal friend. Wayne also unashamedly loved Jesus Christ. This was evident by his love for corporate worship, God's Word, and God's people. His was a life radically changed by God's amazing grace. He knew where he had come from and what he had been, and he was obviously grateful for all God had forgiven. But, his love of the Savior was most creatively expressed through his poetry. He clearly had a gift. He delighted in expressing the truths of Scripture intermingled with the adversities of life through the avenue of rhyme and prose. When I first read one of his poems I was moved by his ability to express precisely what I thought and felt in a creative way I was incapable of achieving. I'm convinced most all of us who read his works share in this sentiment.
As I write this I'm thinking about the message of Wayne's poem on the wall in my study. It draws its inspiration from the biblical writer in Hebrews the twelfth chapter, where the journey of faith is likened to an athlete's long distance run. It is a reminder that the greatest importance of walking with Christ is not so much how we start but how we finish. In our faith journey we will most certainly face obstacles of regret and disappointment, as well as, the encumbering of the consequences of poor choices and selfish behavior. We may fall down on our own or we may be beaten down by the elements of this world. In these moments we must get up and press on. We must finish the race. Nonetheless, the key is not necessarily that we finish the race, rather how we finish the race. We must "finish well"! Through the years I have often found myself drawing encouragement and strength in the most challenging times of my life and ministry by once again reading the words of Wayne's poem. There have been various instances where the temptation to simply quit, raise the white flag and throw in the towel has been overwhelming. In those moments the simple words "finish well" have echoed through my mind and heart. These words alone have reminded me that giving up is never an option, and so I stay the course.
Wayne stayed the course. His journey has come to an end. And you know what? He did it right. He finished well! I was not there as he battled against disease for the remaining weeks and months of his life. I was not there as those seeking to minister to him in time of need found themselves ministered to by his patience, prayer, and encouraging words. I was not there as those closest to him watched his passing from this life into eternity. But, I am most certainly there with him in the bonds of the Spirit and in the sharing of the sentiment of the apostle Paul, who believed that "to live is Christ and to die is gain". In fact, Wayne captured this with the creative touch that is uniquely his by describing his situation as, "a win-win situation".
I know not when my journey will reach its end. However, when it does I look forward to seeing my friend again. I look forward to seeing him with a glorified (healthy) body. I look forward to seeing his radiant smile. I look forward to catching up, reminiscing of the old days and even talking a little smack with one another. And I just have to believe he'll be decked out with the only robe in all of eternity specially ordered from the Soul Boutique! Brother Wayne I am both sad and jealous that you have left us. But, I am so thankful you finished well!
Posts
