gain through sacrifice

i read something today in the relevant leader, that is the little insert in the relevant media network box we get at church that explains what is in the box. anyways, i read an article about gaining through sacrifice, or gaining through giving up things. it talks about how we hang on to things because they are familiar and comfortable, but not necessarily the best for us. it said that maybe those things that we hold on to are actually holding us back. if only we would venture out and sacrifice those things, then we would see something better. we would gain something incredible if only we would give up those easy, familiar things that we cling to. so that reminded me of this quote that i love by thomas merton..."my lord god, i have no idea where i am going. i do not see the road ahead of me. i cannot know for certain where it will end, nor do i really know myself, and the fact that i think that i am following your will does not mean that i am actually doing so. but i believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you." thomas merton