It's a commitment...to changing lives.

After my post about how I spent my days a few weeks ago, I received some feedback.  I was asked "how can you give so much of your time up?"  "Why do you spend so many hours at your church?"  and a few other questions along these lines.

Honestly, although it can be crazy-busy at the time, I don't really think about the fact that I am giving up time that could have been spent watching TV, wasting time on the internet, talking on the phone, catching a sufficient amount of sleep or making money.

When I think about how this doesn't seem to faze me, I am forced to explore the motivation behind my service.  Simply stated, I am focused on the impact of the hours that I am dedicating.  I found this quote online while researching for a project I am working on about volunteerism...it pretty much hits the nail on the head.

"The level of sacrifice of a volunteer is measured by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others."

When I consider the life-change that occurs through the ministry I am pouring my time, energy and heart into, the depth of my commitment to that ministry reaches new heights.

So, THAT is why I am willing to sacrifice my time, energy and resources -- to be a part of changing the lives of those around me.