Is everyone called to be a good steward? Yes, according to the Bible. “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). While we are all called equally to be good stewards, stewardship looks different for everyone. How is it that four children from the same parents are so different? While some features and mannerisms may overlap, none of my children have the same talents and abilities. This is no different than all of God’s children. God made each of us unique with various gifts and talents. Therefore, our contributions to our parish and community will look different. The Parable of Talents explains this in Matthew 25:15 when the master gives to each servant talents, “ … each according to his ability” (Matthew 25:15). Just as God knows our abilities, the master understood the capability of each of his servants. This may seem unfair. However, it is just an example of how diversity is woven into the fabric of creation. The master was equally pleased with each of the servants who did their best. God doesn’t expect any more than we have to give. This explains why we are not called to give equally, but to share our blessings proportionately. “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; … if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6-8). This is the time of year when many parishes host vacation Bible school for our youngest parishioners. VBS is a beautiful example of volunteers of all ages with various gifts and talents coming together to serve our parish family, share our faith and inspire a closer relationship with Christ. The gift of the director who organizes all the content and activities is different but just as important as the volunteer who makes the themed snacks in the kitchen, the generous financial sponsor or the volunteers who act out the Gospel message on stage. The beauty of so many good Christian stewards coming together using their gifts and talents to share God’s love with our children is a perfect example of how God calls us to be good stewards in our everyday lives. “… the measure of your own voluntary offering which you will give shall be in proportion to the blessing the Lord, your God, has given you” (Deuteronomy 16:10). — Shannon Roh is the Executive Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Mobile.