I find that what I seem be asked to sacrifice most often is my desire to do something "significant." Like, most days I'm very happy to live a hobbit-like life, enjoying simple but delicious food, reading books under trees, taking comfort in a community of close friends and family. Sometimes, though, I get to thinking that I really *must* go find a dragon to slay, seek out some ancient treasure; y'know, something "special" that most people don't do. After all, my ego chimes in, I'm *capable* of it. Learning to see that urge for the ego-illusion that it is and instead try and bloom more fully in the soil where I've been planted is something of a spiritual practice for me.
I love how you frame that. I’m sitting on the other side of a failed PhD attempt and feel like, for a variety of reasons, I am not living up to my “full potential.” How much of that is ego, I’m still sorting out. Slaying dragons, indeed. Interesting. I’m gonna sit with what you said here. Thank you.
I find that all my life I have been willing to sacrifice more than others with the power to limit that sacrifice (parents, spouse, etc.) have been willing to allow.
Quick preliminary thought while I ponder the actual question. Too little, in my opinion, is made of the distinction between active and passive sacrifice, between willing and unwilling. I’m not sure, for example, that “asked to sacrifice” is appropriate for slaves: there is no asking, they have no choice. We are taught that Jesus’ was a willing sacrifice, although he had brief moments of doubt. As a native man, I leave open the question whether “sacrificial lamb” is appropriate for the voluntary sacrifice we’re discussing here.
Thanks, Steve. I was mumbling much the same as I chose “sacrificial lamb.” The lamb does not choose. But where Jesus is concerned, willingness is debatable, no? Interesting points to ponder across the board. Thanks for engaging!
Lately I feel I’m being asked to sacrifice certainty, illusions of security, and linear trajectories. which calls me into trust and presence. Though my mind-body, too, feels like a bag of cats bouncing around.
I have always been drawn to the whole life demands of the Christian life but interesting for me I am now thinking more about personal agency and as I've gotten more self aware I think about what I'm sacrificing willingly and what has been given through obligation.
I find that what I seem be asked to sacrifice most often is my desire to do something "significant." Like, most days I'm very happy to live a hobbit-like life, enjoying simple but delicious food, reading books under trees, taking comfort in a community of close friends and family. Sometimes, though, I get to thinking that I really *must* go find a dragon to slay, seek out some ancient treasure; y'know, something "special" that most people don't do. After all, my ego chimes in, I'm *capable* of it. Learning to see that urge for the ego-illusion that it is and instead try and bloom more fully in the soil where I've been planted is something of a spiritual practice for me.
I love how you frame that. I’m sitting on the other side of a failed PhD attempt and feel like, for a variety of reasons, I am not living up to my “full potential.” How much of that is ego, I’m still sorting out. Slaying dragons, indeed. Interesting. I’m gonna sit with what you said here. Thank you.
I find that all my life I have been willing to sacrifice more than others with the power to limit that sacrifice (parents, spouse, etc.) have been willing to allow.
Quick preliminary thought while I ponder the actual question. Too little, in my opinion, is made of the distinction between active and passive sacrifice, between willing and unwilling. I’m not sure, for example, that “asked to sacrifice” is appropriate for slaves: there is no asking, they have no choice. We are taught that Jesus’ was a willing sacrifice, although he had brief moments of doubt. As a native man, I leave open the question whether “sacrificial lamb” is appropriate for the voluntary sacrifice we’re discussing here.
Anyway, back to pondering...
Thanks, Steve. I was mumbling much the same as I chose “sacrificial lamb.” The lamb does not choose. But where Jesus is concerned, willingness is debatable, no? Interesting points to ponder across the board. Thanks for engaging!
Lately I feel I’m being asked to sacrifice certainty, illusions of security, and linear trajectories. which calls me into trust and presence. Though my mind-body, too, feels like a bag of cats bouncing around.
So. Many. Cats.
I have always been drawn to the whole life demands of the Christian life but interesting for me I am now thinking more about personal agency and as I've gotten more self aware I think about what I'm sacrificing willingly and what has been given through obligation.
That’s an important distinction, I think.