Life has a way of becoming dark for each of us if we stop noticing the presence of God in our lives. Beginning with our Churching after forty days and our Baptism where we are clothed with a garment which is cleansed through repentance Orthodox Christians are reminded that Christ is present in the moments that matter most and make up the meaning of life. Father Micah shares with us an inspiring message today that true stewardship is love and gratitude. In the world we experience division but, in the Church, we come together to share a meal from a common cup. The Church is where we find peace and hope. Our minds which are concerned with the cares of life are raised up through the wisdom and teaching of the Holy Fathers. We are children of God saved by faith and have been given the great gift to call God Father. All that we have has been given to us by God and nothing is our own.  We are reminded today that we should give of our time, talent, and treasure out of a sense of gratitude. We should not give out of a sense of obligation or fear of punishment but should give because we love Christ’s Church and recognize how much He has given to us.