I’ve recently been thinking a lot about sacrifice. Not the
ritualistic kind, but the giving up something kind. My parents have always been
a great example of this to me. Not only do they give up so much for my sisters
and me, but they’ve always taught us how important sacrifice is. From a very
young age, I remember asking my mom and dad for random things at the store, and
they wouldn’t tell me that I couldn’t have it, but they would ask me if I was willing
to spend my own money on the item. This simple act taught me so much: patience,
financial reasoning, self-sufficiency, etc. But most importantly, it taught me
sacrifice. To this day, before I make almost any purchase, I think “Do I really
want to spend my money on this, or can I use my resources in a better way?”
Now, I’ve been really blessed in my life; I’ve never had to
give up anything significant. As I get older though, I find myself making
bigger sacrifices than “should I buy this Barbie or save my money to get
something even better?” It’s more like “should I live in this tiny house with
complete strangers so I can actually put money into savings every month or
should I live where I want all by myself but have no extra money?” That seemed
like a moderately inconsequential decision at the time, but I’m very grateful
that I chose the first option, as I have had some major expenses recently that
I did not anticipate. And I know that, as I progress through this crazy life, I
will probably have to make even more significant sacrifices.
I’m grateful for the foundation that my parents laid when I
was young, because I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that I can’t have
everything I want. I’m also very grateful for the Savior, who is the ultimate
example of sacrifice. Without their examples, I would not have the perspective
that I have now, that it’s okay to not have everything. It’s okay to struggle, to
have to make sacrifices. It's just one of those life experiences that somehow refines and strengthens me and helps me become more like the Savior. And what could possibly be better than that?
