Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,
and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
The other day I was doing a task online, but couldn’t complete it because I had to meet family at a cafe for a birthday breakfast. I was slightly annoyed at not being able to finish the task, but the birthday breakfast was far more important, and so I went to that happily enough. I knew that, in all likelihood, I would be able to complete the task when I got home later.
And so it proved.
There is a great deal of satisfaction in completing a task. The above Bible verse declares the truth of it. But Completion Bias can lead to frustration when things are not completed when they should be. Emptying a rubbish bin is partially satisfying but the job is only properly completed when a new bin bag is put into the bin.
Completion Bias has helped me understand why I get annoyed when I can’t find the half-finished cup of tea I left somewhere around the house. You’ve probably had that experience of looking around the house for the drink you have misplaced somewhere. The ‘condition’ has also helped me understand why I am so irritated by interruptions, and has pressed upon me the need to make sure I praise those who complete a task well.
It’s also good to know that the Lord is not leaving his work undone.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil 1:6)
One day you and I will be perfect, but it isn’t today.
It’s helpful to remember that all God’s children are under construction, and therefore the paint is still wet.
May the Lord bless you today. Go well!
