Stewardship and Snow Shoveling

Romans 12:6-8

We have different gifts, according to he grace given us.

If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach.

If it is encouraging, let him encourage. If it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Many of us are having a lot of snow these days and I have not been feeling too grateful for the weather; especially since I am doing the removal without the aid of a powerful snow blower.

But, in my last outing to remove the most recent four inches, I was struck with the need to praise God and to be thankful for some gifts I had not thought of.

I am thankful for inventors, especially the ones who created waterproof clothing so I can be outside and not get wet. I was grateful for the shovel design that saves my back (a little!) from bad ergonomic moves. I am grateful for the paving company that made my driveway smooth and easy to push the shovel against.

Now, I remember what we stewardship officers are to be excelling in. We are supposed to be the encouragers that Paul writes about. We are to see the giftedness in others and, in a way that blesses (not puffs up), tell them about how grateful we are.

Then, we are to help our friends leverage the skill for the Kingdom so that the important expansion work is done and that so that others might be inspired to do likewise.

Why, I am almost ready to take another pass at that blizzard!