Sacrifice with thanksgiving 

In my lists of what I’m grateful for, I don’t usually mention things I’ve had to sacrifice.

I’m grateful for people.

I’m grateful for things.

I’m grateful for experiences and relationships.

I’m grateful for God and my Savior.

But… do I feel gratitude for what I’ve sacrificed?

Do I feel thanksgiving in my heart for what I’ve had to give up?

At first thought, no.

I’m actually really good at feeling self-pity when I am asked to sacrifice.

“Life is so hard for me!”

“No one else is asked to endure this!”

“This is the worst!”

Wo is me.

And I don’t say that lightly— I mean, sometimes I complain about things that aren’t a big deal.

“Cali, it’s just the laundry. Put it away and you’ll survive.”

But sometimes, things ARE a big deal.

A big, difficult deal.

“I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving”. (Jonah 2:9)

But what if we sacrifice with thanksgiving in our hearts?

Gratitude for the opportunity to learn? Gratitude for the chance to serve the Lord? Gratitude for the opportunity to show our love and devotion?

Sacrificing willingly and gratefully instead of selfishly and dramatically.

It’s tough.

But I can already see my mortal hindsight proving this right a little bit.

I can see how sacrifices I made years ago have blossomed into beautiful growth experiences.

I notice how everything I’ve been asked to give up or endure has given me the chance to also take a huge leap forward in my spiritual progression.

I recognize how much easier it has been when I forget myself and get to work loving and serving others.

So today, I am grateful for the things that I sacrifice in the name of serving the Lord and becoming Christlike.

I sacrifice with thanksgiving in my heart.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black