GIFT: n:
1. Something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation.
2. The act, right, or power of giving.
3. A talent, endowment, aptitude, or inclination.
STEWARDSHIP: n : the position of steward
STEWARD: n:
1. One who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs.
2. One who is in charge of the household affairs
When I think back to when I first heard the word “stewardship”, it was in the context of Church finances. Being 10 or 12 – whatever I was at the time – I didn’t really get it. I equated “stewardship” with money. Only money. I figured when we were talking about stewardship, being a steward, we were talking money.
From day one money never really meant all that much to me. Sure, I loved to get it as a gift, but what that usually meant was: I could go SPEND IT on something that would make me feel – however temporarily – good, satisfied.
Growing up, it never occurred to me that I would never have any money – I just never felt the need for it in abundance because somehow it was always around. As long as I had what I needed to “get by”, it was all good. When I needed some, I would go out and find it – work for it, borrow it or quite often it would be gifted to me. Christmas and birthday cards often came “avec de l'argent”.
Making the connection between “Stewardship” and “taking care of money” didn’t occur for some time. It was the “taking care” part that didn’t click. I never actually looked it up!
Over the course of my life I’ve done relatively well where good fortune is concerned. I’ve always had a place to live, food to eat, resources to call upon when in need, a good family full of support and love, strong friendship bonds and because of all this – a sense of security. The world is a good place – despite the endless list of negativity we often hear.
I have been blessed.
to be continued…
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About Me
- Turtle Guy
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- English student, Pottery enthusiast, Yoga novice and lover of all people. I make friends over a warm handshake and a beverage. I discover, every day, someone willing to help me along my path.
4 comments:
i think the comments you made on my post, about community, have a strong connection to those here about stewardship... no coincidence, i'm sure.
i think stewardship is not at all about money. money in itself is a fairly recent commodity, historically, and only has value as long as it can be used to acquire/accomplish things other than its own multiplication.
and i think strong, healthy communities are very much about stewardship... taking care of, and investing in each other, in the children of the 'village', and in the resources that provide the community's livelihood. on a very long-term basis, with an eye to the future for our chilren's children.
very nice post... it took us a few eyars to get a handle on being good stewards of our money...
but it is important to be aware of one's blessings... too many times you see and hear of people who have no clue as to how blessed they are...
looking forward to hearing more!
it has taken me many years to learn how to save, I have just started being able to need a lot more practice though.
Good post - waiting for more.
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