“Give an account of thy stewardship”

Let’s talk for a minute about another Kobi—Kobi Yamada, author of books with such compelling titles and themes as “Because I Had a Teacher,” “Finding Muchness: How to Add More to Life,” “Maybe,” and “What Do You Do with an Idea?” and many more.

I read his book “Maybe,” and gave it to someone for their baby shower. Then I saw this “What Do You Do with an Idea?” and bought it for myself. Because I’d had an idea. Well, let me be honest—I’d had several. But two of them in particular were eating away at me, and when I bought this book, I told myself “It’s just to have a book with an author of the same (uncommon) name as mine.” But deep down, I truly was curious about the concept the book addressed.

As the book’s description states, “This is a story for anyone, at any age, who’s ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult. It’s a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s just getting started.”

That got my attention, because this idea for “The Lionmaker” was not the first serious book idea I had, but the second. This one, however, was notably shorter than my other story in progress, and therefore seemed a bit more “within reach.”

Kobi’s adorable book made me chuckle, as I read. The “Idea” was personified throughout the book, following the main character, demanding increasing attention from its owner, and growing bigger, the more time they spent together.

The main character, in turn, wondered where the Idea came from, trying at first to ignore it (but the Idea wouldn’t let him). He tried to pretend the Idea wasn’t his. He worried about what others would say when he showed it to them. Eventually, he just embraced the Idea and by the end of the book, his Idea…changes the world.

I don’t expect my book to change the world. But I hope it will impact someone’s world, in their walk with God. The truth is, yes—Kobi’s story is a cute way to deal with “Ideas.” But in reality, all good “Ideas” come from God (James 1:17), and He wants us to steward what He has given us.

Luke 16:1,2 – “…There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.”

I Corinthians 4:1,2 – “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

I Peter 4:10 – “As every man hath received the gift [the “Idea” from God, in this case!], even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

So the Lionmaker is really just me trying to be a faithful steward and share with others a message God put on my heart about His dealings in my life, as I learn (over and over again) to just trust Him. He knows what He is doing—and He knows what is BEST!