What Kind of Sacrifice?

“With Jesus’ help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of His name.” Hebrews 13:15 NLT

The very word “sacrifice” sends a chill up the collective backs of today’s modern society. The sacrifices that families made during the first half of the 20th century pale when contrasted with the pleasures enjoyed throughout the peace and prosperity of the following fifty years. That prosperity was fuelled by attitudes of “me first” and “I want it all”. Yet, despite these new cultural influences, families today still struggle with the issue of sacrifice.

Families have to make choices. In our case, once we started having children, my husband and I faced issues such as:
1. Should he work overtime to earn more money in order for us to have nicer things, or, should he arrive home at an earlier hour to help sow our values into our children’s hearts?
2. Should I give up my career aspirations in favour of being a constant influence in the lives of our children?
We chose family values over worldly accumulation: he would be home by dinnertime and I would be a stay-at-home mom. This decision began years of living on one income struggling to meet the daily needs of our children. As the years passed, I hung onto some dreams, but reluctantly gave up on others. Although during this time of sacrifice there were overwhelming blessings, I still felt a sense of grief over my perceived losses.

Today, as our four grown-up kids find their way in the world, I explore new territory in this next phase of life. Whereas, before, I served God and His purposes by staying home with the kids, now I serve Him in new and different ways. I respond to God’s promptings rather than those of my children. I dwell on God’s wisdom rather than the latest school report card. I meditate upon His Word rather than the soccer club’s newsletter. I hear His whispers of love and guidance rather than the piercing call of “Mom!”

This phase is about be-ing first, then do-ing. I concentrate on be-ing the soft, caring, and creative woman that He designed by acknowledging the gifts and passions He knit into me in my mother’s womb. Then out of this be-ing overflows the do-ing by which God spreads His blessings. Do I feel guilty about concerning myself with such heavenly things? Yes, but only a little. Now, I do not have to sacrifice my dreams, hopes, and aspirations because God has saved them for such a time as this and given them back to me.

Today, I give God the sacrifice of praise!
Lord, I praise you for creating me so marvelously! Lord, I praise you for the plans you have for me! Lord, I praise you for your grace and mercy and love! Amen!