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Podcast Show Notes 

One of the primary keys to living well is to focus on finishing well.  Far too many men live for today, not really thinking or planning about the end of life.  

As men of God and people who are known by our faith and trust in a God who provides and meets all of our needs, we still need to take time to prepare for the last season of our lives. Looking back on my 40 years of ministry, with the last 15 having been in the area of Hospice care as a Chaplain, I have seen firsthand those who are prepared for the final season of their life and many who are inadequately prepared.

I want to share 4 observations to overcome the common obstacles we all face as we plan.

1. The first thing that I want to mention is that there are always going to be legal matters that need to be addressed. Do not think for one moment that everything in your estate will be handled in accordance with your wishes without taking some time to prepare legal documents that give direction and authority for those you trust most to carry out your wishes, whether at the end of your life or after your death. There are always things like tax implications and ownership issues that can be thwarted by laws that have changed through the years. I would suggest that an estate attorney can help provide guidance and direction to cover the things that God has placed in your stewardship through your life as you transfer them to others.  I have seen how parents who have planned their end of life well leave an additional blessing for their children, alleviating the uncertainties that come at the time of grief and loss.  Detail your intentions and provide directions because your planning in this area is equivalent to a blessing for your heirs.   
2. A second key area is that of medical concerns. Most people fail to recognize that you need to name someone as your medical durable power of attorney, which allows them to make decisions for your health if or when you are unable to make them. I have seen many families confused at the end of a parent's life when they have to go to court or have a medical doctor put in place a proxy or other legal document to have input on health decisions.  Without naming someone you trust to serve on your behalf, the ability to make decisions in alignment with your wishes is greatly diminished. It is important to give careful thought to a person that you trust and value to speak for you when you are unable to confirm the direction of your care.  

3. Third, don't forget that insurance plays a part in finishing well. There's a reason why long-term care insurance costs less if you pay for it early in your working years. The average cost for a basic assisted living facility, all the way up to a skilled nursing facility, can range from $6,000 to $15,000 a month for care. That's a high cost for anyone, but it can be devastating for those who have no accumulated funds or insurance to cover it.  Life insurance also plays a significant role in providing for those we love as well.  So it is well worth the time to investigate options for all insurance products that will address the financial goals and objectives that you have.

4. There is much more that can be said about these legal and medical things that need to be in place, but certainly, let's not overlook the spiritual component that we as husbands and fathers are charged with passing on to our families. Some of the sweetest moments in ministry I have had through the years have been with families who celebrate communion together, knowing that someone's life may end in the next few weeks or months.  I've watched fathers who realized their time was short, as they served communion to their family, and as that father laid his hands on each family member during a time of blessing to make sure that they knew their great love for them.