Stewardship is a value that embodies caring and cultivating the resources you possess in you and around you. Below, I discuss three areas in which the concept of stewardship could be applied in your next travel adventure.
Stewarding People
What I love most about travel is the opportunity to meet people and build new connections. I was recently visiting Ouro Preto when an unexpected story landed on my ears while getting my nails done. The manicurist shared with me the challenges of raising three children on her own. As tears streamed down her face, we both stopped for a moment. I began to share with her the comfort I found in Christ when dealing with challenges in my life. Along our journeys of travel, people share the joys and aches of their heart. Perhaps, these are exactly the destinations we were suppose to visit: the hearts of people. The concept of stewardship challenges us to care for the people that come across our path and to leave a legacy of hope in their lives.
Stewarding Possessions
Another way you can apply the concept of stewardship to your travels is through the proper allocation of your possessions. Applying stewardship to possession means being a thoughtful explorer and thoughtful consumer. For example, on my recent trip to Bahia, Brazil, I decided to eat at restaurants that were owned by black Brazilians in the hopes of helping in their post COVID-19 recovery efforts. The question we should always ask ourselves is this: How do we deploy our resources–money, talents and relationships–for the greater good in a new environment? Adopting this thinking framework enhances our travel experiences. It also allows us to leave a positive legacy in the unknown land we are exploring.
Stewarding Places
I recently read the shocking story of a tourist who went against the local law and climbed the ancient Mayan Pyramid in Mexico. She climbed the fence and even entered into the temple, defiling and defaming customs and traditions that marked the place for centuries. Adopting a mentality of stewardship looks very different than such acts. It means taking the extra measure to understand the history of a place and showing respect to the traditions that govern that specific place. Traveling through Brazil. I am often shocked by the reality that many Brazilian cities were built on the backs of slaves from Africa. I am cognizant of this history and the incredible privilege that is afforded to me as a traveler coming from the Western world. Adopting a mentality of stewardship reminds all of us to respect the land, people and ancient traditions that govern the places we visit.
Stewardship is a concept that has revolutionized how I travel. I hope it will do the same for you! If you liked this post or learned something new, please leave me a comment. For more posts, make sure to check out the below posts.
A Travel Guide: Exploring Chapada Diamantina National park, Brazil
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