It’s surprising to realise how many of the great names of history faced the end of their lives with a sense of failure. Hugo Grotius, the father of modern international law, said, “I have accomplished nothing worthwhile in my life.” John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the U.S, wrote in his diary: “My life has been spent in vain and idle aspirations, and in ceaseless rejected prayers that something would be the result of my existence beneficial to my species.” Robert Louis Stevenson, whose stories continue to delight, wrote in his own epitaph? “Here lies one who meant well, who tried a little, and failed much.”
But Jesus said the only thing that matters is whether or not we have been faithful in doing the best we can with what we’ve been given; and, if we have, God’s estimate of us will be: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’