Sacrifice
I’ve been thinking about this one for a bit. The forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim. I don’t think you really learn about the act of sacrifice until you become a parent. I remember when my father was in his 30s and he had to commute to work, 40 miles each way, on a daily basis. My parents scrimped and saved to purchase a reliable car, but my father decided to forgo the air conditioner. Now, in this day and age you may find it laughable to save a meager $1000 for such an important comfort, but 25 years ago $1000 was a hefty sum of money to a single income family with three small children. As children, my siblings and I always looked forward to my dad coming home from work. As soon as his car pulled in the driveway, we’d rush the front door and offer him hugs and kisses. In the summertime I noticed his hair was damp, his face flushed and sweaty. I didn’t understand why. Now as an adult, I realize that he drove over an hour in 100+ degree weather, sometimes at a snail’s pace, in rush hour traffic… without air conditioning in his car. The thought of my father’s act of sacrifice brings tears to my eyes.
We enrolled my painfully shy five year-old in karate. The cost per month is equivalent to that of a better car payment. But I know that he has learned to be more confident in himself and the socialization for him is priceless. So I continue to shuttle my three children in the back of a four-door sedan. It’s a little crowded. But it’s worth it.
You sacrifice out of love.