Sweet Sacrifice

    Sweet Sacrifice 

     Sweet sacrifice happens sometimes. What is that? If it’s sweet how can it be sacrifice which is an act of giving up something you value for the sake of something or someone that is important. It could be time, talent or treasure. We took two grandkids to the zoo recently. How could the dolphin show be a sacrifice? Well, the day took effort, planning and money to make sure a great time was had by all.

     Another sweet sacrifice is gardening. Whether we are tending a beautiful flower bed or veggies galore, the outcome is satisfying to so many of our senses, it’s overwhelming and delicious!

     Our little white fluffy dog, Zoey, is a favorite sacrifice. You all know what goes into caring for a dog, the brushing, pills, vet visits, cleaning poo and feeding. But the devoted love in that tail wag or yippee dance is worth the effort and sacrifice. (A yippee dance is what we call it when we come home and Zoey jumps on our legs, wags her tail and says in her speak- “yippee! I’m so glad to see you, I love you so much!”

Saturate Self for Sacrifice

  The fact is there are multiple ways to sacrifice and many benefits from it. To flow in this thinking and lifestyle you have to fill your own tank up so you’re able to give to others and to yourself. It may sound selfish, but it’s not if you’re depleted because then you won’t deliver anything to anyone, including yourself. Some ways to fill your tank are:

         1.) Take a walk, reflect on your blessings in life and the beauty of nature.

         2.) Connections are crucial. Plugging into friends and family causes life and energy to flow.

         3.) Choose positive thoughts which will cause positivity to flourish in your brain, emotional, physical and spiritual life.

    Always keep your tank filled so the benefits can be to the rim and overflowing in your life and  the lives of those you care about. Some benefits and blessings of sacrifice are:

         1.) It gives a sense or purpose and fulfillment in your life. With my job I get the summers off, I sometimes wonder what I can do with my time. When the grandkids come over I seem to light up, get motivated and find energy I did not know I had.

         2.) Sacrifice sets an example on how a great life is lived  and a positive future is built when you devote yourself to others.

         3.) It leads to an excellent life that is productive in so many ways with contributions to society which are valued and manifested.

         4.) The safety and well being of your family is a priority. 

         5.) You reap a harvest of great rewards, for you reap what you sow. Therefore sow sacrifice, respect, love and caring in every detail of your life.

Sobering Sacrifice

     Recently we celebrated Memorial day where we honor and remember the ultimate sacrifice some gave so we could live in freedom and safety. We value family picnics and food on the grill, but we must not forget those who went before and made this possible. Thank you for your service and sacrifice! 

Silly Sacrifice

     There is a sacrifice I particularly enjoy every year! It’s a retreat to a brown county bed and breakfast for two days with 8 girlfriends. Food, fun, love and laughter abound. We have been there for each other through grief and gladness. It takes effort to make this happen in our busy lives, but we would not miss it.

     The silly part comes in with a game of Cranium. Someone has to act out grocery shopping, then we guess what they are doing. We yell out options as hilarity ensues. They look like they are disco dancing as they pretend to take items from the shelf and throw them into their cart. A pleasant time was had by all, and I look forward to next years sacrifice.

Spectacular Sacrifice

     I know of many grandparents who gave up their lives to raise grandchildren so the kids would be safe, happy and loved. Kids and grandkids are our greatest treasure. The love that is manifested and developed is what it’s all about. Despite the challenges and the sacrifices.

      Even if grands don’t raise grandkids totally, the impact on these young lives is immeasurable. I remember my granny and grandpa with great fondness. I dream of them often. As I’m waking I say to myself it was good to see them, I have to go visit them today. Then with sadness I remember it was a dream and they are not alive anymore. They are always alive in my thoughts and heart of course. If your grandparents are still alive, I recommend you visit them often, I wish I could.

Sad Sacrifice

     Sacrifice may lead to enabling, in the hope of improving a loved ones life. Don’t cross over, for it will cripple the one you are trying to help. It will hinder instead of help. The one helping may become the addict of helping the addict. This may start out well but will become a sad, unsuccessful sacrifice. I know of a grandmother who enabled an addict to continue addiction and the lying and stealing that accompany addiction. She regrets it immensely. There needs to be a crucial balance in the sacrifice of love and logic.

Sacrificial Sacrifice

     God’s love for us is so amazing. He gave his greatest gift to the world, His only son Jesus. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (KJV) The sacrifice of Jesus heals the brokenhearted and frees us from the bondage of sin so we can spend eternity with God, starting right now.

     How sweet it is to sacrifice. You’ll be amazed at how doing for others will bring abundant joy, peace and purpose in your life and those you encounter. What an awesome legacy to hand down to future generations. I’m in, how about you?