STEWARDSHIP—LIVING CHRISTIANITY [ RADICALLY]

New World Articles

10-12-03

Two girls' change just might change their world

By AnneMarie Tirpak

Eight quarters. Ten dimes. Relatively little money in most Americans? eyes, but these coins are worth much more than their face value. I learned the deeper significance of $3 when I spoke with my young friends, Hannah, 7, and Claire, 5. I also learned a lot about stewardship.
Hannah and Claire are the daughters of my friends, Dave and Laura. A beautiful couple who take seriously our call to live the Gospel, Dave and Laura model the life of a Christian for me and, I think, for many of those with whom they interact. Longtime friends whom I unfortunately see less frequently than I?d like, our time together is always filled with lively conversation, often about faith, church and family.
Living the Gospel is not always easy, but I witness through their example the greater rewards of self-emptying and serving, and serving always with an abundance of love.
Dave and Laura took a leap of faith several years ago. Dave left his successful corporate job to work for the church while studying for the diaconate. Raising three children while working on a church salary has its own difficulties, but I think Dave and Laura would admit that they are richly rewarded. I should not have been surprised when I heard about their daughters? own sacrifices during our visit this summer.
Hannah eagerly shared with me how she and her younger sister help the poor.
?This is how it goes,? she said. ?I earn eight quarters a week for doing my chores and Claire earns 10 dimes. Each week I set aside one quarter for the poor, two quarters for the church, put two in my bank, and keep three for myself. At Christmastime I take all of the quarters I have collected for the poor and buy them things. Each week I put my two quarters in an envelope with my name on it and drop it in the (church collection) basket.?
I asked Hannah what she does with the money she keeps for herself. Amazingly, she shares that too! On a recent vacation, Hannah bought some penny candy to share with Claire. She also gave her sister money to buy a backpack she had been saving for, and even bought a cappuccino for her mother. An example that you cannot out-give God and be rewarded for your generosity, Hannah still had money for her savings.
Jesus did say, ?let the children lead you.? If I followed the example of my friends Hannah and Claire, and their parents who are their daughters? most important teachers of catechism, evangelism and Christian living, I would be living the life of a good steward.
Tirpak is a vicariate stewardship coordinator for the Archdiocese of Chicago. She may be reached at (312) 534-7713 or at atirpak@archchicago.org.