In the 1980's, Michael Becker, a retired Episcopal priest in my parish in Philadelphia, told us that he tithed and challenged us to do the same. Tithing is an ancient spiritual practice in which we give a percentage of our income to God off the top—instead of waiting to see if anything is left over at the bottom. I was surprised that Fr Becker tithed because he lived on a priest's pension. But he did.

So I decided to take the first step. I figured out what percentage of my income I had given away to charity and increased it by one percent every year until I reached my goal. Now, like many of you, I've had some life challenges. But almost every year since then, I have calculated how much I gave last year, how much to give this year and decided who to give it to. Half the total goes to my church, because God's work is my top priority.

Here's what I've noticed: my gratitude quotient is way up—I'm more aware of how much I have, even though I make less now than when I started. And it's easy to say "No" to everyone else. My giving reflects my values.

I've been a member of Trinity for two years. And I am grateful for this community, which feeds me in many ways—the beauty, the faithful witness to God's love, the passion for God's beloved people beyond our walls, our commit to anti-racism. These nourish my soul. It will give me joy to commit half my giving to Trinity for next year.

In fact, I've decided I can give a little more than I thought I could when I made my pledge last year. So I'm going to add a 13th month to my pledge for this calendar year. Will you join me?

Lallie Lloyd