The Creativity of Sacrifice

I was talking to a wise (and beautiful) friend of mine who brought me back from my pouting about decision making. What makes decision making so significant is the sacrifices that go along with them. The sacrifice involved in decision making is what gives decisions their weight and their importance. 

I think there's also something about control in there too. The ability to make a decision implies power and to a certain extent, control. If I make a decision it implies all cards and all options are on the table and in the sphere of my control. But the problem with that is that it's actually quite limiting - what about all the options that aren't on the table? All the ones I can't foresee or control? I want to make decisions about my life because I would like things more defined and reasonable. I'm anxious for decisions to be made because I like being prepared for things. I like being able to visualize things - then they're less scary; they're tangible, and frankly within a realm of control. They're simpler and understandable and attainable. 

And then I was reminded of God's immense creativity while talking to my amazing sister tonight. God is the master story teller and He doesn't have every person live out the same story - He is far too creative for that. Being that creative, He's probably got something up His sleeve that I couldn't even imagine (though Lord knows I spend quite a bit of time trying to figure it out, which ruins the element of surprise - and I love surprises!). Here I gripe about the sacrifices that I'd have to make, when I am constantly being given so much. I get upset when I can't have everything I want, and I forget that as I long to live a life of service, that involves sacrifice. Serving and knowing the Lord are the reasons I'm here - I'm not here to be fulfilled, and have all my dreams and aspirations come true. That's the reason for me being in the world, but there's also a reason for the world itself and Matthew West says it best:

" Maybe the reason for the pain is so that we would pray for strength

And maybe the reason for the strength is so that we would not lose hope

And maybe the reason for our hope is so that we can face the world

And the reason for the world is to make us long for home

But just keep your eyes on Heaven, and know that you are not alone

No ear has heard, no eye has seen

Not even in your wildest dreams

The beauty that awaits beyond the world

When you look into the eyes of grace

And hear the voice of mercy say, 'Child, welcome to the reason for the world'

And maybe the reason for the world is to make us long for home" 

Matthew West. Copyright 2010 External Combustion Music/Songs for Delaney/Songs of Southside Independent Music Publishing, LLC (Admin. by Wixen Music Publishing,LLC) (ASCAP)  *Yes, I intern at a publishing company and put the credits in there. So there.