Whenever we start up another edition of Financial Peace University, my mind turns to the subject of stewardship—something we hear a lot about in Christian circles.  Stewardship and the accompanying edict to be “good stewards” are two of the foundational phrases of “church-speak.” Unfortunately, by the time a word or phrase joins this exclusive “church-...

A fallen leaf floats about, blown by easy breezes like a miniature sailboat. The old bass snoozes under a sunken log. Plunk. One acorn drops into the water and disturbs the glassy reflection. Oak images dance and waver as ripples pass by, then return to calmed stillness. The sailboat-leaves return to their courses.

The trees lean in to watch. They are impassive specta...