I wish I were a better steward. I would like to think I am a pretty generous person, and I do work hard to cultivate the characteristics of a good Everyday Steward in my life. However, stewardship is about more than giving. It is also about prudence and wise planning. It is about storing up grain for the lean years and making sure there is enough oil to light your lamps when the power goes out. If I were a better steward, I would have that $1,000 emergency fund to dip into when I need a car repair. I would save more for retirement and vacation. I would have more food in the garage freezer because I bought more on sale and prepared for when money was a little tighter. In a nutshell, I would be prepared for whatever comes my way, good or bad.

Advent is a time of preparation. We not only prepare for Christmas, but for the day when Jesus Christ returns again. Unfortunately, we too often act like this is the only time to prepare for such events. We should be preparing all throughout the year.

If we only focus on our spirituality at Advent and Lent, then we are poor stewards of our time the rest of the year. The wise steward is always cultivating their faith and working to improve their relationship with God. They know that they need to be prepared for anything at any time. They stand ready, waiting for the call of their God.

— Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS