sacrifice

As a new parent it started to become evident that life would, in fact, never be quite the same for us. It seems like this is advice you hear, but can't fully understand or grasp until it becomes a reality. Not that we would ever change the fact that we are now parents, but it does cause you to reflect on what your focus in life has now become.

When I was single I was able to do what I wanted, when I wanted ans avoid those things which I didn't care to do. Getting married brings a loving spouse you now desire to please and care for into the mix, and you do some things that maybe before you wouldn't have done, but for their sake. I know I have made my fair share of foodstuffs that I don't necessarily care for, but seeing as my helpmate does, I carry on...okra, eggplant, olives...and in his defense he has also eaten his portion of hominy and I am sure other morsels that he wouldn't choose on his own.
Anyway, all that to say that your selfish single attitude is slowly changed to become more of a servant, sacrificing your comfort or pleasure at times for the benefit of your spouse.

The change to becoming a parent has made me realize all the more that we are selfish by nature, we do strive to care for ourselves and rightly so. However, when you bring forth a helpless child, you realize that selflessness is essential to their nurturing. Selflessness to a point though. I know that if I feel too emptied and drained I am no good to my husband or my children. I can only give so much of myself before I physically, emotionally, spiritually can't give any more, especially if I want to feel "healthy" in all these areas.

I do see ways that my sacrifice can benefit me, and my family, at the same time. For example, giving up my idea of what the week should look like as far as accomplishments and schedule, can be helpful to my daughter as she needs to be able to get her rest in the best way possible. So if that means that this week I am not able to go walking with friends when I had planned, all so she can nap in her bed at the time she wants and needs, then I sacrificed a little to gain her the rest she needs. I guess this is more of an affirmation to myself that this sacrifice will pay off in the future as I have a well-adjusted, healthy child that sleeps well. I know that these are not permanent sacrifices. There will be many challenges and sacrifices as a parent, but knowing that I only have one time to raise my children, and wanting to make the best choices for them, causes me to sacrifice some of what I want to give them what they need.

I was reminded of a couple verses as I was muddling through these thoughts today. Romans 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
2 Cor. 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
Okay, okay I know that these verses are talking about bigger and better things than what I am talking about with sacrifices...but a good reminder that our sacrifices now will reveal wonderful things for us later on, these troubles show us that things are temporary and imperfect, and leads us to look for the perfect and permanent in the eternal glory of Christ.

We have plenty to praise God for; A sacrifice has been made on my behalf by my Savior, Jesus Christ. I can't even begin to compare my sacrifices to His one ultimate sacrifice.