A good steward is a prepared steward. The importance of preparation has been noted throughout history. Preparation is a central theme in the thoughts and actions of successful people throughout history. Consider the priority preparation receives from these experts in their field."The game may be played in a stadium, but it is won or lost on the practice field."
- Joe Gibbs
"Whatever you are ready for normally shows up."
- George Burns
"Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success."
- Henry Ford
"Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with preparation."
- Thomas Edison
As we have been entrusted with a wonderful opportunity to serve and bless others, we still have some important preparation to do. We have a minimum of an entire week to notice our world with fresh eyes and feel for our world with fresh compassion. This preparation will shape how we reach out and touch our world with open hands.
So how am I preparing this week? I began today simply thanking God for reminding me that I have so much to give. Before this special opportunity ever came about, I already have been blessed with gifts I can pass on. I then began to read some passages in the Gospels to remind myself of how Jesus made himself available to the world around him. This gave me ideas for how to see others and get engaged.
I started making a list of people and opportunities to whom I may be able to offer some support. As I am in conversation with other brothers and sisters in Christ, I am learning of many different ways people are planning to give. Although it is too early for me to commit to any need just yet, these conversations reveal so many great ideas, and they are helping me think more creatively.
All of this goes into my intentional preparation so that I can make the most of this wonderful journey. What are you doing to prepare?
- Don McLaughlin
Yesterday was amazing, wasn’t it? I am still blown away by the generosity of someone I don’t know. And there is still a lot to do. So, I find myself asking the question, now what?I know that this component of our 40-Day Journey is making me rethink my concept of how I’m managing what God has blessed me with. I’m having to stop and take stock of how I’m spending what the Father has given me. There are some months that I think I’m doing a pretty good job of stewardship. But then, there are other months when I think just the opposite.
After spending more time with the story of the Good Samaritan, I appreciate the different perspectives that have been presented. When I recognized that I had been cast in the role of Innkeeper, it changed my thinking.
Rob Bell, in his Nooma video "Rich" brings an even deeper awareness of my place in the big picture. It reawakens me to the recognition of the importance with which I handle God’s blessings.
- Sheree Yasko Hill
