The Quiet Art Of Stewardship
How Caring for What You Have Brings Peace, Purpose and Joy
The “Guilt” Trip
Labor Day weekend, in the passenger seat, somewhere between the Kansas border and the edge of Colorado (it all looks the same, honestly), I had a moment I wasn’t expecting. I’d just spent four incredible days at a mountain resort – golf, sun, cocktails that didn’t stop, long pool days, hot tubs, shopping, laughing.
But on the ten-hour drive home, an unfamiliar, poorly timed feeling crept in: guilt. Not because I’d done anything wrong – I’d earned that rest, I used my PTO! – but because, for the first time, after a much-needed, indulgent vacation, I started wondering if I was taking my life for granted and if I was being a good steward of what I’ve been given.
What Is Stewardship? Why Does It Matter?
That word – stewardship – kept echoing in my mind. It’s not something we talk about much these days unless we’re in church, but it applies to nearly everything – our time, money, health, homes, careers, and relationships. Being a good steward means taking care of what you’ve been entrusted with instead of chasing endless “more.”
When we compare ourselves to others, it’s easy to feel like we need more - more money, more success, more stuff. But here’s the truth: when you learn to be faithful with what you already have, you build the strength and wisdom to handle more.
Luke 16:10: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
Side note: It’s amazing what we can do with a little – it’s like when you were younger and your mom needed to go to the grocery store but somehow was able to collect a bunch of random pantry ingredients and magically make a delicious, filling meal. AKA Doing a lot with a little.
And it turns out there’s real science behind why stewardship matters in this crazy world of consumerism:
Engaging in stewardship – caring for your home, community, or the environment – reduces stress, anxiety, and depression (Faber Taylor & Kuo, 2006).
It fosters eudaimonic well-being, giving life meaning and purpose (Ryan & Deci, 2001).
It builds resilience, strengthens social connections, and even modestly boosts happiness (Helliwell & Putnam, 2004; Lyubomirsky et al., 2005; Post, 2005).
Stewardship in Action
When I got home from what I now refer to as “The Guilt Trip,” I made a conscious decision to start being a better steward IMMEDIATELY.
Here’s what that looks like in my life:
Closets & Possessions: My closets are full! Before buying anything new – like the next tempting pair of shoes – I pause and ask, Do I really need these, or can I wear what I already have another season? I also ask, What can I donate?
Finances: I started prioritizing intentional giving instead of being sporadic. Stewardship of money is about being purposeful and mindful about what we spend our $ on.
Home: Small maintenance and little improvements – fixing a leaky faucet, organizing clutter – help me care for what I already have instead of always dreaming about the next project.
Career: I focus on what I’ve already built before chasing the next big thing. Seeing projects through, celebrating accomplishments, and investing energy where it matters most create impact.
Body & Health: Stewardship isn’t just exercise – it’s nutrition, rest, and consistency. Small daily choices like prepping meals, hydrating, and not skipping rest days make all the difference.
Time: I constantly ask – Am I a good steward of my time? I refuse to scroll on social media for hours each day - what a waste! Instead, I read something new, spend time with family, help friends, or even just rest.
Relationships: I make intentional efforts to connect, support, and be present with the people I care about. Stewardship isn’t just about things – it’s about people, too.
A Holiday Season Without Excess
As we transition into the holiday season, my mindset has shifted. I won’t get brainwashed by Black Friday ads or feel the need to overindulge in food, drink, or shopping. Instead, I focus on staying active, savoring joyful moments with family and friends, giving intentionally, and spending my time meaningfully.
Stewardship reminds me to act with purpose, care for what I have – however little or much – and experience the holidays fully, without guilt or excess.
Stop chasing “more.” Care for what you already have, and the peace you feel is profound.
The Quiet Art of Stewardship
Since Labor Day, this quiet commitment to stewardship has brought me unexpected calm and clarity. Things I used to postpone now get my full attention. Resources like time, money, and energy feel more abundant simply because I’m using them better.
So start small:
Donate one item.
Be 100% present with friends, family, and colleagues.
Stop the scroll.
Read something that feeds your mind.
Take one hour for something meaningful.
Stewardship is an art form. It works quietly, steadily, and transforms everything. It makes us grateful for what we have, diminishes our thirst for “more,” and helps us better prioritize our time and energy.
Stewardship isn’t glamorous, but it’s a quiet way to transform your life - bringing purpose, peace, gratitude, and joy, while paving the way for something greater.
Next Steps:
Personal:
What is one possession I can donate or repurpose this week?
How am I caring for my body beyond exercise?
Am I using my free time in ways that bring purpose or joy?
When was the last time I intentionally rested without guilt?
How can I strengthen connections with family, friends, or my community this month?
Career:
Which projects am I neglecting that deserve my full attention?
Am I celebrating what I’ve already accomplished before chasing the next goal?
How can I use my skills or influence to positively impact others in my work?
Am I managing my professional energy wisely, or am I overcommitting?
What small action today could create a lasting impact on my career or team?