Steward of Your Vessel

One morning, before everyone else got up, I hopped on my bike and rode three miles down to a nearby landing. Then I sat for thirty minutes on a pier, noticing thoughts and giving thanks to God, praying and admiring nature.

When my time was up, I hated to leave the silence and the cool air (even though I was growing chilly). I hopped back on my back and rode the three miles back home.

What you don't realize is that the person that walked back through my door was not the same person that walked out of it. I woke up particularly angry and frustrated that morning. Even when I sat alone quietly reading scripture and praying; I could feel this buzz, like a current, reverberating through my thoughts, making it hard to focus.

There could have been any number of things to define as the cause; circumstances, hormones, thinking patterns, even going a few days without exercising. etc. Who knows?! -But trying to pinpoint it didn't seem like a fruitful effort. So many times, that action has led to blame, condemnation or further aggravation.

I knew that I didn't want to spend my day that way. Not only would it be hard for anyone that I came in contact with but it would be harder for me to get through as well. So, after I finished reading my Bible, I quickly got dressed so that I could squeeze in a ride before everyone else got up.

I couldn't help but notice that the "energy" that felt like anger pulsing before had left my bones as it was released in pedals down and up the hill again. Now instead, there was a quiet emptiness. Not the sad kind, but more like a place of rest, safely tucked inside my heart. One that was free and had room to accept more the world around me.

The word steward came to mind, and it struck me.

As 'good people' and/or 'Christians' we often think of stewardship over things and resources that are given for us to share. The definition even says that a steward is "a person who looks after the passengers on a ship, aircraft, or train; and one who manages drinks or meals." 

When we consider that all things that are given for God's purposes, then we too, are considered His vessels (Romans 9:21-23, 2 Corinthians 4:7). Many times, by sharing ourselves, we can be the most useful or effective resource in the life of those we are alongside.

Yet, in this crazy-busy world, we often don't make time for ourselves to exercise, meditate, read scripture, or tend to other self-preserving habits. Especially if they involve "extra work" or something unfamiliar. -Other, more demanding, things frequently get our attention instead; wearing us down.

If we are to serve, love and be a light... why would we not want to lead with the cleanest vessel possible? It is easier to love when we're not frustrated. It's easier to be patient when we're rested. It's easier to pray and share a Word when we know the words we need to share.

This may sound exhausting, unrealistic or even legalistic. Yet we do not give a second thought to changing the oil in our car or handling routine maintenance for other vessels and tools we 'can't live without.'

You and I are the only stewards of the vessels that He has given us to navigate this life. May we find the time and encouragement to honor Him by caring for ourselves; giving our truly best to others. :)