Make a Sacrifice

Recently I saw this commercial on television, which shows a school kid walking over a bridge on a small lake and is suddenly prompted to make a plunge in the water. Wouldn't that be great fun!? But he is compelled not to, by his parents. The boy grows up, is married and has an executive job. But somewhere down the line, he wants to quit and do what he feels is right. But then he thinks about his wife and the child they were expecting soon. Despite his urge to quit, he holds on to the job. He soon prospers and now wants to buy an expensive new car. But then he sees his children and their education needs, which he must meet. Off goes the desire to buy a swanky new vehicle. He had been making a sacrifice at every stage of his life. A compromise with his desires, for different compelling reasons. Years later when he is retired, he makes a walk to the same bridge. He remembers his childhood wish and decides for once to follow his heart. He takes that plunge and realizes his wish. He couldn't have been more happier than on that day.

This ad made me thinking. I agree that one should follow his heart and do what makes you happy, but I can’t help notice the sacrifices that man made at every stage of his life.

Sacrifice may not always be a compulsion. Today, someone living a single life with least worries at hand does not have to sacrifice his desires. For him life has no compromises and he wants to make things go his way. But life brings with it new responsibilities at every passing stage. Soon he would have a wife to care for and kids to look after. He would then have to strive to provide them with best of everything. The struggle to make them happy, lands him in situations where a compromise at some level becomes a must. He may have to forfeit a personal desire for sake of his family. Rewards reaped by such sacrifice maybe be far more than pursuing his personal wantings. Of course no compromise should be too large. One doesn't want a regrettable life!

If essential sacrifice is so important to an individual, then he must surely realize that same sacrifices have been made by his parents for his upbringing. If you never had hardships growing up, got what you always wanted, have good education and lead a successful life, chances are that a great deal of sacrifice has gone into that making. It is time to repay in kind. Be a part of your parents' lives just as you have been all your life. Make some sacrifices of your own to make sure they are loved. Care for them. They don't need your cash. But your love is something they cannot buy. They might not expect much in return, but that does not free you of the debt you owe them.

Life will come full circle when sacrifices you make reap a garden with caring gardeners, who will nurture both old and new plants with unending love.

Don't be selfish. Make a sacrifice. It’s essential.