Being a Good Steward (a.k.a. Adulting)


As a member of “Gen X” (i.e. those born between 1965 and 1980), when I first heard the term “adulting,” I just laughed.  Since I enjoy etymology, I found out that this term was named the 2016 “Word of the Year,” basically because of its overuse by Millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996).  Essentially “adulting” means acting like an adult, being responsible for ALL the things adults are to be responsible for like going to work, paying bills ON TIME, perhaps even living in one’s own space (rather than with one’s parents!).  While for generations the transition from adolescence into adulthood seemed to be the natural progression of life, for some that step seemed too steep to navigate. 

And to be honest, there are days when I would rather not “adult.”  I would love for someone to take care of me and not have to worry about cooking, cleaning, laundry, bills, or all the other minutia that makes up life. But I know that isn’t going to happen.  I could be overwhelmed with all that needs to get done, or I can stop and consider what is really happening in these moments and ask for God’s presence to guide and support me.

To me, this is the basis of good stewardship.  If you think about it, a steward is a professional adult – one responsible for managing the resources of time, energy and money.  Some are very good at organizing these areas in a cohesive way so that everything gets done well.  Others – not so much.  But that doesn’t really let us off the hook; we are still required to be adults, to be a good steward, and to do that, we need to be honest of what we have, how best to use it to accomplish our hopes and dreams. 

Too often we want to live well beyond our resources and end up always being in a rush, exhausted and in debt.  That is not being a good steward.  If we choose to pause and listen to God’s presence, “Be still and know that I AM,” it gives us the opportunity to reflect on what is really needed and what is only desired.  That pause is “adulting” because it requires us to prioritize rather than act impulsively, without care for the consequences.  While we cannot control everything in life, planning is imperative.

Many of us do not take the time we need to reflect on what it means to be a good steward and how to use all that God has given us.  It is something we will get to when we “have time,” which usually doesn’t happen.  We all know that we only “make time” for those things that are truly important.  So we are going to help you “make time” to think about stewardship AND feed you as well!

On Monday, September 24th, we will welcome The Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick from the Diocesan Stewardship Committee to offer a time of reflection and dreaming of what we want for ourselves, for our church and for God.  We will have dinner at 6:30 PM and then a program from about 7 – 9 PM in which we will think about how we can be good stewards with what we have and what we hope for, including what we want to do for our 150th Anniversary coming up in 2022.  All are invited to participate!  Those good at adulting and those still trying to figure it out (no matter what your age is!).  With God, all is possible, but we must make room for God in the conversation.  Now is the time!  Sign up in Hubbard Hall or let me know.  I do hope to see you there.

In Christ,
Rev. Valerie+

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