We often think that to sacrifice is to give up, be disadvantaged, and let go of something in life which we may have wanted. It is true that on the face of it sacrificing seems like we may be missing out and not having. However, if we take a step back and reflect on what sacrifice really means, we may well start approaching things differently.

We know from experience that to move higher, we need to let go of the lower. When we sacrifice that extra morning sleep and late-night dessert, we build better health. When we sacrifice wasteful expenses, we build financial strength. When we sacrifice short-term gains to protect principles, we build long-term value. Sacrifice is an expression of growth.

Often we have to destroy to create. A seed sacrifices itself to germinate into the mighty oak. A fruit is born by a flower’s sacrifice. When we sacrifice our prejudices and attachments at the altar of open-mindedness and a different way of seeing things, we create a better life for ourselves and others. Sacrifice is an expression of creation.

When we realise that we don’t know, and start our journey of seeking and knowing, we sacrifice our ignorance in the fire of knowledge. Sacrifice is an expression of humility.

And there are times that we do sacrifice our comfort and opportunities for others. We need to be careful that we don’t talk about it as a virtue, nor does it swell our pride within. We must be aware that our sacrifice does not become an expression of our ego.

When we feel the abundance of love for something, and give our all to that person or ideal, willing to have less to help them have more, identifying with their joy and happiness rather than our own sacrifice, we would have understood a simple fact of life; when we give with our heart, we touch hearts, and real sacrifice is an expression of true love.

(Picture – Church in Basel, Switzerland)