Volunteer -- Take II

You know those times when you sit around with friends and talk about what you really "ought" to do.  Well I came away from one of those in April sometime convinced that we were serious.  The more people I talked to, the more excited I got.  So I did it - I submitted the sanctioning papers to the national governing body, I created a web site, I went out and contacted sponsors, set up the registration account, opened a bank account started a 501c3 not for profit corporation and (wait for it...) I'm directing a triathlon this weekend.  We have been in the paper three times, my wife is training for the triathlon, my supervisor is volunteering to help under me (a little awkward), and 70 people have signed up to date paying 65-75$ each.  We have raised around $4,000 for the local pool.  It will be neat to see what they can do with it.
This has been a big whirlwind of adventure for me - I feel grateful the Lord put me in position to step back and try my hand at these things.
These experiences have not only been exciting to me, they have blessed many of my relationships.  They  have also streamlined my views about volunteerism -- It feels wonderfully patriotic to seek to build your community.  It feels great to put your self to considerable trouble to make a difference.  Seeking to be anxiously engaged in a good cause has helped me come to know myself better and feel more connected to my community.