Sacrifice

Webster's definition of sacrifice is:

A: destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else

B: something given up or lost <the sacrifices made by parents>

I was driving today with my two girls in the back seat and thinking about my childhood.  For some reason my Dad popped into my head as He often does.  When I was young and involved in Scouting I used to get pretty home sick.  So in the beginning, my Dad would come on campouts with us to make them a littler easier for me.  Well during the summer we had a "long term" campout that was usually about 7 - 8 days, and since I missed the last one due to my little issue I asked him to go.  It didn't take much convincing and he knew it would mean a lot to me.  So off we went. 

What I didn't know as a young boy is the cost of that simple request.  My Father worked in construction so he didn't really get paid sick days or paid time off.  If he didn't work...he didn't get paid.  He also risked someone else coming in and doing his job for him.  Back then there was a union but it was on its way out.  It would also mean leaving his wife and daughter for those 7-8 days home alone. 

But I remember that week very well and we still talk about the memories today!  So I wonder if a re-definition of the word sacrifice is in order? Or maybe just some clarity? 

I'm not really sure that HE would call it sacrifice.  Some money was lost, and maybe some adjustments to the budget for a month or two. But what was gained?

When I was growing up I knew my sister and I came first.  And my parents "gave up" a lot to make that happen. They even gave up our friendship for a few years because they knew it was more important to be our parents then our friends.  I’m very glad to say that sacrifice for those few short years has paid off, because I can now say they are great friends and mentors. 

So I wonder when you hear the word sacrifice what do you think about. Who comes to mind? Who "doesn't" come to mind?  This word is a big word that could have a hundred different stories written a hundred different ways. I hope that if you read this it made you think a little and brightened your day because of the people that have sacrificed for you!