"Offering Sacrifice" Inspired by The Vicar’s Daughter:

Offering Sacrifice

Sacrifices are often made

but little pondered.

Difficulties for one

take no thought from another.

Given freely

and all equal in price,

a sacrifice will look different

for each giver and every receiver.

The sea gives a breeze to every passerby,

regardless of need or want.

But from a desert,

the gift of a chill

would answer a soul’s sincerest prayer.

A good intent to sacrifice an hour

with hope to please another

by offering lots of advice  you know best to give,

might not be as well received

as a listening ear

and one encouraging comment.

Sacrifices are most fulfilling when pondered first

and matched to every receiver

whatever the cost for each giver.