Isn't it understood that sacrifice requires a bit of discomfort, even work? Why do we sacrifice then? What's in it for us?
Sometimes I make sacrifices because I believe it's the right thing to do. Other times, I sacrifice because I expect that I will receive blessings in return. Whatever the reason though, I know that it's not necessarily going to be convenient, fun, short-lived, or painless.
Teaching seminary is a sacrifice, but I do it because I know it's the right thing for me to do. My calling came from the Lord, not a church leader or parent. (This helps me keep perspective when I spend 5 hours planning a lesson, and only half of the students show up for class).
Yes, teaching seminary is a sacrifice, but I receive blessings in return. In fact, those blessings outweigh my offering. My testimony is stronger and my knowledge of the gospel is deeper.Hey - My capacity to function on very little sleep is greater too!
So, the next time so-and-so says that so-and-so isn't a "morning person" I will know not to come back with, "Well, who is?!" Instead, I will understand that so-and-so doesn't quite get the principle of sacrifice yet.
Well said, Sister Saunders. Early morning seminary is a sacrifice for everyone involved, but especially for you who has to put in 5 hours for every one hour your students spend. I bore testimony of the value of this sacrifice to my sisters at the prison last night. I was teaching them the VT lesson on the value of scripture study in building our faith in God and Jesus Christ. There is no price to put on that and no sacrifice too great. My love and appreciation for the scriptures has increased so much by TEACHING out of the scriptures. "If it so be that ye shall labor all your (mornings) and bring but one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy".... Honey, that one soul may be you. But I suspect there will be a few more :)!
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