You may be like me in this case, when you hear the word stewardship, you don't necessarily cringe, you just immediately see the boring light flicker in your brain. I should blame childhood for that instant word association. Sitting in the pew on the kids row during big church and hearing the pastor preach on money. Especially when money was usually the cause of arguments in your house. So when my church presented the new series entitled Steward to those in attendance, I was wondering if anyone else had a similar feeling. Let me say this though, I have been pleasantly surprised. It's not a plea for money, or a guilt fest. It's solid teaching on how important it is to be a good steward in different areas of your life.

Last week we talked about worry and how dangerous that is to our lives. My thoughts continued onto being a steward of my time. If I suggested we do a pie chart, what categories would have the largest section - TV? Movies? Coffee with friends? Volunteering? Events? Arts? Spending time with Jesus?

It's good for me to think about - yes, where is my money going? But also, where am I investing my time? Do you ever think about that? I'm learning as I get older, I need more down time. If I don't make time for myself, to de-stress the ways that I do, then usually my time with God lacks, and all of that leads me to stress and worry. Being a good steward of my time is to invest in things that count. In serving, in loving, and in moments of stillness. The rest should fill in the gaps. I think Colossians 4:5-6 alludes to this in a way saying,

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

There is wisdom in being with others and wisdom in the stillness. That's what I wanted to leave you with today. Examine your time and the way you spend it. Are you getting enough down time for yourself and quiet time with the Lord in a way that balances time spent in the busyness?