Sacrifice

LOVE, 1916
 
By May Wedderburn Cannan
 
One said to me, “Seek Love, for he is Joy
Called by another name”.
A Second said, “Seek Love, for he is Power
Which is called Fame”.
Last said a Third, “Seek Love, his name is Peace”.
I called him thrice,
And answer came, “Love now
Is christened Sacrifice”.
 

            August 1916


This image is part of a watercolour of assorted flowers painted by SHH's Auntie Pam some years ago.  I like to think that they are poppies.


Auntie Pam was one of that generation of women who had to give up so many aspirations, who had to sacrifice so much of love and for love.  She had two elder brothers, both of whom went away to fight in the second world war, both of whom married and had children, both of whom died young, one of them never returning from the war.  She also had one elder sister, a stunner by all accounts, who married a clergyman, went off to a mission in Africa, and had five children.  That left Auntie Pam at home with ageing, increasingly frail parents who needs looking after.  She sacrificed her own life and personal love for them, and for the needs of the whole family.  She was unfailingly kind and welcoming. Her old, treasured love letters went with her to her eternal home.


Today, being Remembrance Sunday, there has been a focus on Sacrifice and how much of Sacrifice is for love.  So much I believe.  Love of many kinds.  Sacrifice of many kinds.  Joy, Fame, Power and Sacrifice.  All linked by love?  Many kinds of love...


We are called to be Sacrificial if we love, I believe.  I am surrounded by so many people who, it seems to me, are giving of themselves unstintingly because they have hearts full of love.


May peace snd comfort be with you all on this day when we remember, and look to the future.