Preparations: Where We’re Going and How We’re Leaving
Today, my family and I are heading out on a trip to St. Louis to visit relatives for the weekend. As we packed bags and loaded the car, I couldn’t help but notice how much goes into not just preparing for where we’re going, but also for how we’re leaving.
Outside the house, we’ve made sure things are buttoned up. The neighbors are watering the plants and grabbing the mail. Trash cans are pulled up from the curb. You get it.
Inside, my wife has a strict “no mess left behind” rule. I actually have come to like this rule. Coming home to chaos kills any peace you had while returning. So, beds are made. Carpets are vacuumed (yes, that’s my job). The dishwasher is running, and everything will be in order when we walk out the door.
It struck me that preparing to leave, and leaving well, are skills we often possess, but don’t always practice intentionally. We instinctively want to leave things neat, cared for, and complete. Why? Because no one likes walking back into a mess. And because we recognize that, sometimes, we don’t come back the same way we left — or at all.
The same principle applies to life transitions, leadership, and legacy.
None of us can complete every task, forever. Eventually, someone else will need to take up the mantle. Whether it’s a job, a role in a ministry, a family tradition, or a relationship dynamic — how we leave matters. Leaving behind order, clarity, and encouragement honors the people who come after us. And it honors God.
Let’s look at a biblical example of someone who lived this out with integrity.
David: Preparing to Leave and Empowering the Next Up
King David had a deep desire to build a temple for God — a permanent house of worship. But God said no, because David had been a man of war and bloodshed (1 Chronicles 28:3). Instead, God chose his son Solomon to build it.
David could have responded with frustration or disappointment. But instead, he leaned into what was still his to do. He prepared the way for Solomon and for the entire nation.
“You are not to build a house for My Name... but your son Solomon will build it...” (1 Chronicles 28:3, 6)
Rather than resisting God’s “no,” David embraced his role. One of the most powerful ways we finish well is by knowing when our assignment ends and someone else’s begins.
David Gave the Plans
“All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me...” (1 Chronicles 28:19)
David didn’t just say, “Good luck, Solomon.” He handed over detailed blueprints — divinely inspired plans for the temple’s structure and sacred objects. He gave Solomon clarity. Spiritual and strategic preparation.
David Gave Resources
“With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God...” (1 Chronicles 29:2)
“In my devotion... I now give my personal treasures...” (v. 3)
David gave generously from his own wealth and led the people to do the same. He invested in a project he’d never personally complete — a model of sacrificial leadership and long-term vision.
David Gave Glory to God
“Wealth and honor come from You... You are the ruler of all things.” (1 Chronicles 29:12)
Even in transition, David didn’t make it about himself. He led the people in praise and worship, reminding everyone that this wasn’t about a king — it was about God.
David didn’t finish the temple. But he finished his part. He prepared the space, the people, and the leader. He made things clean, clear, and ready.
Back to You and Me
So yes — I’m about to go vacuum the living room. But this little trip reminded me that we all have spiritual “spaces” we need to clean up before stepping into what’s next.
Are you preparing others for a road you’ve been walking?
Is there a project, relationship, or role you need to hand off with care?
Is there something messy that needs to be tidied in case you're called elsewhere?
Take a glance around your world today — physically, emotionally, spiritually — and ask:
What needs cleaned?
What needs made clear?
Who needs to be ready?
Let’s be people who don’t just go places, but leave well — with grace, intention, and legacy in mind.
-Mark
