What images flash in your mind when you see or hear that word? Is it a personal reaction? Does it cause fear to rise? Perhaps it evokes a memory? Maybe it makes you think of a time when you chose not to accept your opportunity to sacrifice? Or maybe it reminds you of a time you did sacrifice… But what do you believe, how do you define ‘sacrifice’?
According to Webster, sacrifice can be either a noun or a verb. If, when it’s a verb, it’s an action word… something you do. However, I really don’t like any of the definitions. The reason is that it really is a negative, something you have to do, something required. It always means loss, but not necessarily a loss chosen by you. Who would want to do that?!! Or to accept that ‘fate’? For the most part, there’s little to commend ‘sacrifice’.
Therefore, I would like to propose a different definition, a different way of looking at sacrifice. In my world, sacrifice would mean a proactive choosing. Besides, in the final analysis it does depend on our attitude toward the word and the consequences and/or opportunities that are presented. What if you have no choice? I realize that sacrifice may not be a choice but your attitude regarding it is.
These kinds of situations, regardless of choice, are difficult to understand or accept but our choice of reacting is ours. We need to feel some form of control is ours, even if it’s only how we react. Being a silver-lining, glass half full type does make this easier but only slightly. It’s difficult to do what eagles do when storms approach… they fly into them head on. Then again, this propels them up and over the storm. Perhaps we can do the same.
…but, what do you think?
