Alexa Babin

I fear I haven’t had to make any serious sacrifices in my lifetime. At least not when I consider those of other people, especially people I admire. At first, sacrifice sounds like a chore. Something painful, unpleasant, and altogether undesirable. But sacrifice is one of the most stunning displays of love that exists. And when I consider this, I feel somewhat ashamed at the lack of sacrifice across the length of my life. What does that say about me, as a person? Better yet, what am I willing to sacrifice for… and is it worth it?

There’s a saying that goes, “The best gifts are the ones you want to keep for yourself.” Somehow, my brain links this to sacrifice—the giving up of something valuable. I realize it’s not exactly the same, but there’s something to the idea of that, I think.

Sacrifice involves the loss of something valuable. The handing over of something deemed precious. The passing off, giving up, forfeiting of something you desire to hold onto. So it’s not really a sacrifice if there’s no price to pay.

This gets me thinking about what we place value on—what holds meaning in our lives. It’s an interesting litmus test to consider what we might be willing to give up to gain something else. Is the trade worth it? Is a disadvantage worth what you might profit instead?

Think about it long enough, and it’ll tell you what your priorities are. Maybe that’s the most insightful part of sacrifice, really. It points directly to what you hold dear, regard highly, and desire most deeply.

If you’re willing to sacrifice for it, chances are you place a significant value on it. Follow your sacrifices and you’ll find your loves.

While I can’t say I’ve had to make massive sacrifices in my life, I think the small ones still matter. The detailed ones still count. I’d like to think that every time I wash my roommate’s dish, or let someone in front of me in traffic, or do something that takes up time I don’t have to spend, it’s my small way of saying, You are worth more than my selfish time right now. Each time I prioritize someone else over myself, I hope it says, You matter. I care about you.

Sacrifice is such a huge concept—I can’t encapsulate it all here. But giving it a few moments of attention is humbling. It puts me in a headspace that’s good for me. I want to be a person who isn’t afraid to sacrifice for the right people, things, and moments. Is sacrifice something we can be good at? Does it come more naturally with practice?

I can’t say I know for sure. But I’m excited to keep finding out, little by little. Day by day. Sacrifice by sacrifice.