My Finest Hour

Recently, on Audible, I stumbled upon a book called “Poison for Breakfast” by one of my favorite childhood authors, Lemony Snicket. And of course I listened to it, because I was curious what Snicket was writing about these days. In the course of his story, Snicket mentions the idiom, “Not my finest hour” and explores its meaning. When we say a moment was “not my finest hour,” what we are really saying it was embarrassing, awkward, or disappointing.

But what if, Snicket asks, when we say this, we were somehow holding in mind our actual “finest hour” of life? What would our finest hour of life consist of?

Go ahead, think about it. When was a time when you were at your best, working out of your gifting, being a blessing to others? Who was there with you? Is there one particular hour of life that stands out to you?

When I think of this question, I start to come up with ideas, but then they get crowded out by thoughts of my not-so-shining moments. I think of something brilliant I said or did, but then think of the stupid things I said or the mistakes I made before or afterwards.

Maybe it’s easier not to just think of a single hour, but rather several minutes of time put together. If I could piece together my finest hour, it would include snippets of…

-a speech at my high school graduation

-a sermon on Psalm 63 for a group of women

-the moment when I thought of the idea of saving up with Audrey for a sister trip together

-a conversation with a friend when I cried with them and really listened well

-finishing the Chicago marathon

-time spent serving at my Chicago church

-presenting my thesis research about linguistic hospitality

-praying for the people in my life

-my maid of honor speech for my sister’s wedding

-forgiving someone who hurt me

-meeting and helping strangers in airports

-leading an art class for my friends’ kids

-learning to speak a second language

-cheering on the teenage girls I work with

It wouldn't include me losing my temper while driving around Tirana or when I left a wedding early to go to a football game or the time I called a certain part of Chicago "ghetto" loudly while I was I was on the train. Yikes!! I cringe when I think of those moments.

But I love thinking about this question, because what we view as our “finest hour” reveals what we value the most. It also gives us insight into how God made our personalities and what He gifted us to do in the world. It helps me think about the life I’m living and be reminded that the smaller moments do matter. It draws my attention to the people around me and what will last for God’s kingdom.

So what successes would your “finest hour” consist of? And which small, joyous moments of your life are most significant to you?

Just a small reflection to you on a rainy day in Tirana, Albania. <3

With joy, Melissa