More than 20 years ago, my wife Beth and I volunteered to take on a Little Brother from our local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. We thought we would be helping a child who needed something we could give. What we didn't expect was how much we'd grow—and how much that little boy would change our lives.

You see, at the time, I was busy, distracted, stretched thin. But that small, consistent commitment turned into a life-giving friendship. And Beth and I learned an important lesson that still guides us today: that stepping outside your comfort zone isn't about doing more—it's about becoming more.

I was reminded of that lesson when I read the nomination for this month's On Fire For Good honoree, Aimee Risser. Let me explain.