SATURDAY, September 26 (Lancelot Andrewes)

Years ago I went to a stewardship conference where the speaker led us through an exercise no doubt familiar to many readers. He asked each of us to bring our checkbook and to categorize what we wrote each check for. (Today, we would probably have brought our debit card statement or online account report). As I worked through this exercise, I reflected on just what the priorities in my life actually were.

I had come from a home in which my parents taught that God's portion came first. When I began to receive an allowance, I made envelopes and placed a portion of it in each one. The first envelope filled was for church. The second was to save for Christmas gifts for my family. It was gratifying for me to discover that this childhood practice was still being reflected in my checkbook.

When our treasure is spent on God and family, our hearts are full. In the next month most churches will be holding stewardship drives. Given our shaky economy, this could be a tough year. But remember to take care of your heart.

PRAY for the Diocese of St. Albans (Canterbury, England)

Ps 87, 90 * 136; 2 Kings 11:1-20a; 1 Corinthians 7:10-24

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