“The end of a matter is better than its beginning.” — Ecclesiastes 7:8

It is hard to believe we are almost at the end of January. A new year is often associated with fresh starts—new goals, new calendars, new intentions. And so often those goals can be defeated before week’s end. Yet Scripture invites us to begin the year not just with goals but with a different perspective: the end in mind.

When we consider legacy, the end is not something to fear or avoid. It is something to thoughtfully prepare for. Beginning with the end in mind allows us to live today with clarity, purpose, and wisdom—shaping the story our lives will tell long after we are gone.

Legacy Is Formed Before It Is Finalized

Many people think legacy is something written at the end of life. In reality, it is shaped daily through choices, priorities, and values. Estate documents formalize a legacy, but they do not create it.

Jesus lived with the end in mind. Every step of obedience, every act of compassion, and every moment of surrender reflected His awareness of eternal purpose. His life reminds us that meaning is not found in accumulation, but in faithfulness.

When we begin with the end in mind, we ask deeper questions:

  • What will my family remember about what mattered most to me?
  • What values will continue after I am gone?
  • What faith will remain because of how I lived?
  • What clarity—or confusion—will I leave behind?

These questions are not morbid. They are merciful.

Why Perspective Matters at the Beginning of the Year

Starting the year with the end in mind changes how we approach decisions today. It helps us distinguish between what is urgent and what is eternal.

Legacy-focused living encourages us to:

  • Communicate intentionally with family.
  • Plan proactively rather than reactively.
  • Address difficult conversations with grace.
  • Align our resources with our beliefs.
  • Steward relationships, not just assets.

When the future is clear, the present becomes purposeful.

Legacy Planning Is a Gift to Those You Love

A thoughtful legacy plan is one of the most loving acts a person can offer their family. It removes uncertainty, prevents unnecessary conflict, and provides direction during seasons of grief.

Without a plan, families are often left to guess—about wishes, values, and intentions. With a plan, they are given clarity and peace.

Beginning with the end in mind allows us to:

  • Protect the people we love.
  • Preserve unity.
  • Pass on faith intentionally.
  • Ensure our story is told well.

A Meaningful Opportunity

Building a legacy is not about pressure or perfection. It is an invitation. An opportunity to reflect, align, and prepare—without fear.

At Stewardship Legacy Coaching, we walk alongside families who want to be intentional about the legacy they are building. Our role is to help you think clearly, plan wisely, and live faithfully—so that when the end does come, it reflects a life well stewarded.

Looking Forward with Purpose

As this new year begins, we encourage you to pause and reflect. What story is your life telling? What legacy is quietly forming through today’s decisions?

When we begin with the end in mind, we don’t diminish the present—we give it meaning.

Yours for a Thriving Legacy,

Jeff Rogers & Your SLC Team