Sacrifice

While driving home from this last trip out-of-town, I was reminded of a saying I once heard:

"Do today what others won't, so you can do tomorrow what others can't."

Now, when I first heard that saying it was in the context of building a financial foundation for myself. It's true, that if you want to be set up for the future, financially, you have to go beyond what the average Joe will do. But, you know, it applies to so much more than just money...
Unfortunately, in our quick-fix, instantly gratifying society, most people miss out on so much. Take a fulfilling relationship, for example. If we want to go deep with friends, we must cultivate that relationship. It takes time to grow in understanding someone. Sure, there can be an instant connection and relativity; but, in order to really know someone, you have to take time to build the relationship.

It's like a tree... it starts with just a little seed, but, over time, trees become some of the largest organisms on the planet.

Whenever we start something new, we should count the cost; however, that cost must be weighed out over the long-term gain. Some things may look like the cost is too high - if we only consider the short-term results. We've got to consider the Big Picture - that's why God can say He works out everything for Good. He does see the end from the beginning, and knows how it's all going to turn out in the End.

So, don't be afraid to jump into something that will take a lot of time and toil. If you know what can come in down the road, and stick to it, doing everything that must be done, you can be sure that the treasure will be yours.