Reflections + Beautiful Sacrifice

Happy Friday! I smile every time I see this picture. I mean, what's better than a cuddly panda bear to kick start your weekend? :) Today's post is an opportunity for me to share what has been on my heart this month. Maybe a few of you have been asking yourself the same questions.

This past week has involved a lot of deep contemplation and a few ups and downs. One word that's been on my mind constantly is sacrifice. It has come up at the office with my coworkers, at church, and in my inbox in the form of a daily devotion. It's become clear that God has been asking me to discover what true sacrifice means to me.

A few Sundays ago my pastor preached about the woman who took a flask of precious oil (valued at more than a year's salary) and anointed Jesus' head and body as a sign to say that He was worth more than her family's financial stability. 

She was scoffed at and called an idiot for her radical actions. But Jesus defended her sacrifice and said, "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me...." 

Beautiful. What a perfect reward for the woman to receive. 

When I take a step back and think about what she may have been feeling in that moment, I see that her sacrifice was forgetful of harsh criticism, pure and honest in motivation, and overflowing with adoration and love for the King.

Are my sacrifices purely motivated, unaware of critique, and filled with love? 

I will continue to ask myself these questions as I give of not only my finances, but my time and heart as well, to the One whom everything is owed to. 

You can find Pastor Chris' full sermon here titled "In Her Memory."

Have a fabulous weekend!

xo,

Elissa