Turning ripples into waves of goodness in the world

Have you ever driven up to the drive-thru window only to find out that the person in front of you paid for your order? What a fun surprise! Did you pay it forward and pay for the person behind you? 
When this happened to me the person working at the window was filled with joy when she shared the news. She went on to tell me that the kind deed had been passed forward for at least two hours. This is the ripple effect of a good deed. 
Stewardship is a little more than paying for the meal of the person behind you. However, the effect is the same. Offering time in prayer impacts everyone we prayed for. Sharing our gifts and talents at Mass, ministry and life inspires many to share their talents in return. When we give to the Catholic Charities Appeal, the ripple effect is exponential because thousands of lives are affected. Living a life of stewardship impacts the world in a ripple effect as if we were continuously skipping a rock in the river. 
We all know people who stand out because of the way they live their faith and a life of stewardship. Heaven recently gained someone who inspired me in this way. She lived her Catholic faith and until the very end shared her gifts and talents with everyone around her.  She had a beautiful smile, a kind heart, a fantastic sense of humor and an amazing memory. She loved to share stories and jokes with everyone that she encountered, making them laugh and smile. She was a disciple, a servant leader and an example of how to live a full holy life.   
About 26 years ago, this special lady gave me the Mother’s Manual prayer book when I was pregnant with my first child. I continue to use that same little book to guide my prayers for my children even now as they are much older. This little book continues to be such a blessing to me that I give a copy to new mothers in hopes that they will find it as helpful as I have over the years. Her kindness and generosity will continue to have a ripple effect on every life she encountered throughout her 94 years on this earth.    
“Now to Him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). 
In St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we are told that God has a vision beyond what we hope or dream. It is through His power at work in us that we create the ripple effect of good in this world. Through Him, our faithfulness and living a life of stewardship we can turn ripples into waves of goodness in this world. 
“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1Peter 4:10).
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God" (Philippians 4:6).
­­— Shannon Roh is the Executive Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Mobile.