Sacrifice

as I sit here on my backyard deck, surrounded by peace and quiet and watching my dog lay lazily in the shade. I cannot but think that I really don't have a clue what it means to sacrifice...today is Memorial Day a day that began in 1866 to remember those who died in the Civil War...some time later it became known as Memorial Day...a day to take time and pay tribute to all men and women who have payed the ultimate sacrifice...the giving of their lives...they unselfishly surrendered their freedom to do as they chose to live a life for others...so that those they didn't even know could sit on their decks in peace and quiet...with no fear of death or even the least bit of fear...as I contemplate this day...more now than I have ever before...I am asking myself...am I living for others...do I sacrifice anything so that others will have a better life or am I just someone who takes and never gives...is it my first instinct to think of me before I even dare think of someone else...as someone who would like to think that I am a follower of Jesus, it is my sincerest prayer that I have the heart of our Savior...knowing that it was His calling to give His life as a ransom for many...before the foundation of the world His walk to Calvary was planned, to reconcile all things back to the Father both on earth and in heaven...may I too, know that being named among His children that I too will die so that others might live...on this day of memorial let it not end on just remembering may we too think of others and sacrifice...