Monday Musings For The Mind

'A sacrifice is something you give up, usually for the sake of a better cause,' reads one of the definitions given by a free online dictionary. During secondary school some of us studied Kemahiran Hidup or 'life skills' so to speak, and one of the topics that came up was 'Kos Lepas.' This is loosely defined as something you lose when another option is chosen.

Put a magnifying glass on our lives for a moment. Let's see what are the things we sacrifice on a daily basis and the impact it potentially has, whether we're aware of it or not.

You used to love exercise. Every day you either go jogging around the park nearby your house, or play a game of badminton with your colleagues in the evening. Lately there's been a new series airing on cable TV which you're in love with. You now finish your work as quickly and efficiently as possible, so you can rush home to the television. Be careful, you're potentially sacrificing your health for entertainment.

Once upon a time you only clocked out late from the office, when there was an urgent task to attend to. Usually when you got home, there was always time to embrace your wife and kids before having a simple dinner together. Nowadays you're determined to keep working for as long and late as possible, because you're obsessed with clinching that promotion. You won't stop until you get it. Beware, you might be sacrificing your family's happiness for a higher work position.

During your college / university days, being 'economical' with your spending was the norm. Saving was a widespread habit and your expenses were meticulously planned, to ensure you could concentrate on studies without the threat of starvation. But since entering the workforce, you've somehow awakened the 'shopping spirit' within you. Your wallet / handbag itches whenever you lay your eyes upon that latest gadget, clothing accessory or automobile. Watch yourself. You may be sacrificing long term financial stability, for temporary material gain.

As the call for Subuh prayer was gently spreading through your neighbourhood, normally your eyelids responded automatically by uncovering your eyes and within one minute you were off to the bathroom to take your wudhu'. These days (and especially during the weekends) the bed has become your best friend and you're starting to grow accustomed to this new routine of non-stop snooze. Warning. You're essentially sacrificing your relationship with God, all for the sake of uninterrupted sleep.

So what have you been sacrificing all this while? Have the choices you made been worth it? Do all of them culminate in you achieving what you want in this life and the next? If the answer is yes, then good for you. However if your answer is to the contrary then it's time to reconsider your priorities. It's never too late to change as long as we're still breathing. But don't wait too long as we never know when the better alternatives have been completely sacrificed, beyond recourse.

      

Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.

Napoleon Hill