Consider the concept of sacrifice.  It conjures up lots of images, doesn't it, from biblical, with lambs on golden alters, to Hollywood, with virgins jumping into volcanos to appease the gods.  

The word sacrifice itself has several definitions, but the ones I like best are far less dramatic than my examples above: "selfless good deeds for others," and "short term loss in return for a greater gain." And being a lover of history, the word sacrifice always causes my mind to jump to our founding mothers and fathers.  

John and Abigail Adams are a perfect example.  They spent nearly two decades of their 54 year marriage apart, as John worked to form our new country, and Abigail tended the homefront and children. Their sacrifice not only benefited our country, but gave us a fabulous view of early American life and attitudes through the myriad letters they wrote while apart.

Modern day sacrifices are all around us.  Researchers devote countless hours in their labs seeking cures for diseases, while missionaries spend years away from the comfort of their homes aiding those in under developed countries.  And of course members of our military face the ultimate sacrifice every day as they work to make the world a safer place.

These folks also have another trait in common - they're courageous.  But the interesting thing about sacrifices (and courage too) is that it doesn't matter how large or small they are in order for them to be important.  That means ordinary people like you and me are capable of making courageous sacrifices that could have enormous impact on our world.  Think about the sacrifices these women have made:

1.  The single mother who wears last season's (or last decade's) wardrobe so she can afford advanced education for her children.
2.  The grocery clerk who serves the homeless after having spent 8 hours at her job.
3.  The young woman who gives up a big date to be a Big Sister on Saturday night.
4.  The teacher who forgoes gourmet coffees in order to provide extra resources for her classroom.
5.  The oncology nurse who organizes a relay team to raise funds for cancer research.

The results of each of these women's sacrifices of time and money might be just a drop in the bucket.  Or they could be the one thing that changes a life.  And just like the ripples from that drop, that one change could change the world.

I have no doubt you make sacrifices every day without realizing it.  And you are courageous for it.  I thank you and our world thanks you.  Never stop!