The few that may know me very well realize that I’m pretty much a homebody. Our family doesn’t really have any outside compelling interests as some do, such as camping, hunting, hiking, etc. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m pretty much an introvert (and I’m fine with that).

One thing that I really appreciate about the church is that it helps me get out of my comfort zone. Home teaching and other callings give me the opportunity to get to know and to hopefully serve people that otherwise I may not have met. Sometimes I may feel overwhelmed by what is expected of me, but then I remember that I’m doing my best, and that’s all that the Lord or anyone can expect of me. The church helps “stretch” me and in the process helps me to be a more balanced person than I would be otherwise.

So I am grateful for a church that requires sacrifice and expects service and involvement from its members. Like Joseph Smith said, “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.”