My father was a small businessman who by today standards would not have been considered highly successful. In fact there were times in his life when business reversals caused a great deal of concern and he and my mom struggled to make ends meet. However, he was always able to provide for his family and then some.  Somehow my parents knew how to "stretch a buck" and make it go far. For instance I had the pleasure of having two older brothers and if I ever wanted to know what my next years line of clothes would be I just had to look in their closet.  I was blessed with hand me downs.  By the time I got my brothers jeans they were quite faded, possibly ripped or patched; something that would be in style today, but not stylist for a child growing up in the fifties.

Our staple meals were casseroles, chili, American chop suey, tuna casserole; macaroni and cheese with ham were among our favorites.  Roast chicken dinner on a Sunday was an elaborate affair.  And yet we lived in a nice neighborhood, in a classic four bedroom Dutch colonial and we had a cottage at the lake, complete with boats for water skiing, fishing and sailing. We took regular road trips to family reunions in big Buicks that were new every three years.

As I grew older, I became curious as to how Mom and Dad were able to raise four kids and provide extras along the way, especially on Dad's modest income and with Mom remaining at home to raise the children.  One day I felt compelled to ask my Dad how they could possibly do all they have done, and he gave me a one sentence answer that has stuck with me for life.  He said, "Skip, take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves."

In growing up and raising my own family, this lesson on stewardship has stuck with me.  As I became a Christian, studied the Bible and was called into ministry, I recognized the Biblical roots of this important stewardship lesson.  Matthew 25:21 says "His master replied, well done good and faithful servant, you have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness."

Our denomination has been able to achieve much with little.  We hold stewardship of what we have been given in high regard. Because we have been faithful with a few things, we have been able to plant new works of God, revitalize some of our existing churches and come along side our pastors and churches with care and support. To God be the glory.

Terry Shanahan