Great sacrifice has a high exchange rate.

Birthing a child requires great sacrifice. Parenting requires even more. Not only do we, as Mom’s, bear intense pain and forever changes to our bodies (hello issues), but as Parents, we find ourselves quite often in a place where MORE is required than we have to give.

Enter the Exchange.

We must remember the inheritance we are pouring into. We must never forget that they are only little for a short time. Our social lives will come back eventually, along with the vocabulary to speak to other adults… We must never lose sight that it is ALL worth it: every ounce, pound and ton of ourselves that we pour out. Even when we run dry and it takes a massive wringing out to get that last drop, it is all worth it. It is our privilege.

The Exchange.

We must never lose sight of what we gain in the midst of sacrifice.

I have given up my favorite foods for the next two years. It has been 14 days today, of broth and juicing, with an occasional half avocado. Do I miss food?

Not really.

Why?

Because of the Exchange.

I don’t remember feeling this good inside. I don’t remember saying that I feel “Amazing.” I can bend my big giant finger for the first time in 5 years. All I want to do is walk and be active. I am feeling strength bubble up within me, like I’ve tapped into some sacred well.

I call myself “loopy” at times, but it is a good place to be. My issues are on vacation, and you know what? I don’t want them to come back for awhile. I feel the most clarity that I have ever felt. I feel like there’s a portal at my head and a well at my feet. I am covered in Grace. There is no way I could do this alone.

There is a lot required to take on the GAPS thing and heal my gut. I never dreamed of making it this far. I only let Hope in to give it a shot. I am now Fiercely determined to give it my Best and My ALL. There is New Life at stake. My New Life. This is driving me.

It is a Giant sacrifice, but it is worth it when there is a good Exchange rate.

I don’t ever want to forget how hard it’s been; how daily motherhood has taken more than I had by 10 am, yet I still had all day to go. I don’t ever want to forget the pain, limitations and fish bowl of “I can’t.” I don’t ever want to forget the sleepless nights and wheelchair seasons. I don’t ever want to forget all the LOVE poured out over me by friends and family who helped through it all. I don’t ever want to forget how my Amazing Man stood by my side, in Love, and became my Hero. I don’t ever want to forget because I don’t want to lose sight of Thankfulness.

Hope and Joy live in Sacrifice. Purpose unveils Passion. There’s so much Beauty in it all. Deep inside, GRACE resides.

Is there something keeping you in bondage? Think upon the Exchange. Grab it… just make a good trade.