As a user and pusher of words, I notice things like, hey, that word doesn’t get much use, or, it gets used in a way that modifies or limits its meaning. One of those words that makes me scratch my head a little? Sacrifice.

Today a certain prominent religion commemorates a famous—or infamous, depending on who you ask—person that sacrificed his all for the many. No matter our beliefs, this presents us with a chance to examine how we view and practice sacrifice.

Do we get it? What it is? Sacrifice?

At times we mention it rather superficially. A baseball player hits a sacrifice fly ball to score a run. A running back sacrifices his body to get the touchdown. These are sacrifices of a sort, but do they exemplify the full meaning of the word?

We may also speak of personal sacrifice. For instance, many of us set aside immediate, short-term gains and enjoyment for the sake of future rewards. Delayed gratification, we call it. Which makes me think that’s no sacrifice at all, but rather an investment so we can get more of what we want.

Though I think we all know and appreciate that sacrifice means more, we restrain its scope and potential power because doing it hurt. Sacrifice isn’t pleasant. It doesn’t serve me first. It often demands I go without something I value. It may require I subdue or even swallow my pride. Sacrifice isn’t going to feel good, not then and there as you do it. Maybe later. But right now, it’s going to hurt.

To get the full extent and meaning of sacrifice, I think we need to turn our viewpoint around. A couple of questions might help us do that. Where would you be if someone hadn’t sacrificed on your behalf? More to the point, who has sacrificed so that you can be who you are today and have what you have?

When I think about it that way, my parents come to mind near at the top of the list (right behind that famous/infamous guy I mentioned earlier). Looking back, I see all the things they gave up, all the discomforts and at time deprivations they took on, so that my brother and I could have what we have and become who we are today. I also think of all those who go to harsh places, to sweat and bleed so that I can have the freedom I enjoy here. Some of them even die for me. Those guys and gals remind me of above-mentioned famous/infamous guy.

One of my favorite memories as I readied for my wedding day came when Dad took me out to lunch. I realized it was his way to pass on a couple of things he wanted to share about marriage. One of them? It won’t be easy; it will require a lot of sacrifice. Going on twenty-three years of marriage now, I recall his words often. My ability and willingness to sacrifice through the years has been at best spotty and often far less than perfect. Yet the wisdom of Dad’s advice hangs on strong. When I have managed to sacrifice, I have seen the blessing that can be to another, and the eventual blessing that comes my way.

Why don’t we do that more often? Answering for myself: selfishness. I often wonder with cynicism that stifles idealism what a different world it would be if instead of looking for number one we put the needs of others first. What if we were willing to give sacrificially to cover the needs of others, and all of them did the same in their own lives as their abilities and resources allowed? Heck, what if half of the world did that? Twenty-five percent? As a rule of life, toward anyone rather than only for those closest to us, or those who can return the favor?

Yeah, like I said. Cynicism shoots down that idealistic picture. And so we sing, “what a wonderful world it would be,” rather than “what a wonderful world it is.”