Stewardship is commonly defined as the intentional and beneficial management of a resource.

     Individually or collectively we might be the stewards of our own land, public lands, entire wilderness systems, municipal water supplies, or a once again, robust fly fishing stream. Some are tasked with being stewards of money and financial resources.  All daunting commitments, that perhaps often speak most sincerely to those emotionally and financially invested in their success.

     As you may or may not know, in early 2017, Friends of Two Rivers took on the stewardship of the Hellgate Lions Park, recreational land in the heart of West Riverside that we endeavor to improve and enhance for the benefit of our community.

     There is an unspoken essence of caring to the act of stewardship.  But is stewardship only to be applied to things? Can’t we also be stewards of compassion, empathy, civility even? In this time of daily challenges that often tempt us to lash out heedlessly, perhaps we can take a more conscientious and intentional step back and instead become the stewards of civility, kindness, empathy and compassion. 

     That is our challenge to you in this “season” of caring and giving. Let the intent to be caring flow on past that date on the calendar in late December and into a more continuous application of good stewardship of each other with civility, compassion, empathy, and simple kindness. For when we become the caretakers of each other, it is ultimately beneficial to all.          Mary Erickson, Fo2R President