How much is that doggy in the window?

I know this seems pretty random for this blog about leadership but trust me... I ran across an article by Liz Pulliam Weston about real costs, here's an exerpt:

A puppy

The upfront cost for a medium-size dog can run from zero ("Mom, he followed me home . . .") to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a purebred. For most people, though, the costs really begin after little Beauregard is part of the family.

You should figure on "capital" expenditures of about $270, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a sum that includes collars, leashes, carriers and the price of neutering or
spaying your pet. Annual costs run an average of $620, which covers $310 for a year's supply of premium-brand kibble, $175 for medical care, $15 for a license and $120 or so for miscellaneous costs, toys and treats.
Given that a medium-size dog lives an average of 15 years, that would add up to a total cost of $9,570, or about $1.75 a day for unconditional love and all the poop you can scoop.

Of course, I know folks who have spent more than that just on vet bills. Improvements in animal medicine mean more conditions are treatable,
but that also means one serious accident or illness can cost you thousands
of dollars.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/TheHiddenCostsBehindThePriceTag.aspx

As I read this two things happened: First, I became even less happy with my dog. Second, and of some actual importance, I pondered the real costs of leadership. While a program or opportunity seems inexpensive up front or "too good to turn down", would I buy it if I knew what it would cost? And what about the times that I adopt someone else's calling? Seems cheap to adopt a "housebroken" program, but is it? What about when someone wants to have a "pet program" - they just want you to own it?

What is your calling and gifting? What has God called you to do? On the other hand, which purposes or programs are you "pet-sitting" that you need to give up or give back? How do you plan your time so that you give enough time to your callings, so that it stays healthy and growing?

Guys, last thing I want to do is to become that crazy "cat lady" with too many animals, so that they all end up sick and emaciated. Let's be purposeful to give our lives to a few key purposes - Jesus' purposes of being family, missionaries, servants, and learners. Paying the price is good and called for (Matt. 10:37-39), so let us not shrink from that. Let us invest in eternally valuable causes.