Earlier this week, our nation was saddened by the death of S. Truett Cathy, the man who started the Chick-Fil-A restaurant chain I raved about here last week. It was a coincidence that I wrote this last week, not knowing that he was sick in the hospital at the time. But I can’t help but think about how timely my post is to reflect on the legacy of this great man.

“I’d like to be remembered as one who kept my priorities in the right order. We live in a changing world, but we need to be reminded that the important things have not changed, and the important things will not change if we keep our priorities in proper order.” – Truett Cathy

The very DNA of the Chick-Fil-A organization, as well as the not-for-profit WinShape Foundation, was shaped by Mr. Cathy’s desire to do good in this world, as a reflection of his Christian values. Scripture charges us as Christ-followers to be a light to the world, in order to give glory to God. Whether it’s in ministry or business, in public or in private, we should live in such a way that the legacy we leave behind when we leave this world would be celebrated.

One of Stephen Covey’s “seven habits” is to “Begin with the end in mind”. This is true on a small scale, like when you’re planning a fixed-term project, but it’s also true on the grand scale. It may be a little morbid to reflect on what the world will be like when we’re gone, but taking some time to really consider how you want to be remembered can and should help shape the decisions you make today.

I don’t think there’s any question, at least from my spectator’s view of his family and company, that Mr. Cathy lived out the priorities he identified above. My heart and prayers are with the extended Cathy and Chick-Fil-A families during this season.