Sacrifice

A few months ago, I went to an elementary school in Humboldt Park with another person from Urban Village to talk to the school's principal about ways that our church could volunteer. As the principal described the highlights and challenges of leading that school, she mentioned that they sometimes have issues with children making frequent trips to the school nurse and having to leave the classroom When I asked why, I learned that many of the students aren't sick, they're hungry. That was jarring. People sometimes talk about giving something up for Lent and there are lots of reasons to do so. That process often is a sacrifice, which isn't a word that people usually like to hear or use. One reason we sacrifice, however, is to draw closer to another person or to God. Going without something (like intentionally skipping a meal or going without food for a day) affects our bodies and can remind us that there are others who have to do this every day. That, then, can be a reminder that we must never forget those who go without and we must work to make sure that all have their daily bread. Sometimes sacrifice can bring abundance.