Sacrifice

I’m sitting on the couch with my four-year-old son, Gaven, watching a movie that I’ve seen a minimum of 20 times.  However, I’m elated to say that it does not matter. It’s as though I’m watching it for the first time. Nothing that could be on my schedule would dare come close to being more important than this hour and a half on a Friday.  It’s taken me a long time to say that. I’m so grateful that God has given me the wisdom to comprehend this now.  Love will bring forth sacrifice.   

My four-year-old, like all four-year-olds, has needs and desires – strong desires. Yet, even at the age of 4, he has a willingness to sacrifice. It may be for approval or acceptance, but it’s still a sacrifice. It is a simple illustration of what love will do. How is that possible? How does he gain concern for my desires in his small world?  It’s been about him since he was born. That’s all he knows – or does he?

This is how the deep conversation took place between us…

“Gaven, you want to watch a movie?  Yeah! Ok. Which one? Well, Dad, what do you want to watch? Whatever you want to watch, son.  But, that doesn’t make any sense, Dad! Why not (laughing)? Because I want you to tell me what you want to watch!  I really want to watch whatever you do (still laughing).” He turns his head towards me with his bright blue eyes wider because he’s raised his eyebrows and says, “Sure? I’m sure.” Grinning, he completes the conversation with, “Ok.”

            Though he’s the one with strep throat and the movie selections are of the animated genre, he was willing to sacrifice what he may desire to see for whatever Daddy wanted. This was another breathtaking lesson for me. Only love instilled in his life could be attributed to such an action. My sacrifice of staying at home when I could be accomplishing "important tasks" is completely insignificant. I would say it’s not a sacrifice at all. What could be more important and more rewarding? My son’s willingness to change his world for my satisfaction is an extreme sacrifice. 

            I imagined another conversation between a Father and Son. Our heavenly Father desired to reconcile the relationship with His children. He asked His only son, Jesus, if He desired that as well. Jesus replied, “Yeah! Which plan do you want to put into action?” The Father said, “There’s only one.” A final question from the Son, “Sure?” “I’m sure,” the Father countered. Jesus ended the discussion with the most noteworthy retort ever given, “Ok.” His submission was much more profound - “Not my will, but your will be done.” Though He is the bright and morning star, the prize of Heaven, and the One that all must bow to with one word, He wanted what the Father wanted. 

            Because of His love for the Father and the love for each of us, Jesus sacrificed Himself. That love came from the Father and exists in everyone. We choose whether or not to operate in it. If a four-year-old child can practice sacrifice because of love, how much more should we exhibit love through sacrifice?