^"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

Nothing really prepares you for difficult decisions, not even the stories of heroes from your days of childhood; heroes I would read about and admire. And now that this privilege/opportunity has come, it's so encouraging to know: "My Father will honor the one who serves me".

All this is nothing compared to what I have received.