A story was told of Nicky, a medical doctor who lived in the 60s. He was a brilliant surgeon who, at a time, had to perform a particular brain surgery upon a young man. It was a very delicate surgery in which a small error could lead to fatal consequences. He devoted his all, operated beyond his hours, and buried his whole strength in it. The surgery involved several hours of intense and uninterrupted concentration that Nicky got exhausted and worn out. At last, the surgery was successful, but Nicky was too tired to walk that he was led by a nurse out of the theatre.
The act of self-giving and concentration on the needs of others reflects the quality of sacrifice and love that we give. It demonstrates the depth of our commitment to the course of others and to humanity. It encourages us to keep giving our all even when it hurts and when we feel that we have nothing else to give. It mirrors God’s kind of love to us, which is beyond telling.
Unfortunately, the likes of Nicky are fast going extinct, not only in the health care system as in the case of Nicky, but in all the sectors where care, love, and sacrifice should be modelled. We live in a generation that finds it difficult to endure lack, to be self sustaining, to sacrifice time, energy and resources for others, to be on the forefront to liberate others, to show exemplary strength and courage, to secure a smooth path for others against rough terrains and to confront those who steals from others in many ways or rob them of their dignity of others.
The love and hunt for stardom, influence, and affluence have blinded the eyes of many and lured them towards selfishness, hate, ego, unhealthy competition, and lots of other vices. Very few care and fewer are ready to make sacrifices for others.
Assuredly, the visible plan of God for humanity desires that the whole human race may become knitted in love and bonded by care and sacrifices for each other. He desires that we show some gestures of love and charity at all times. He admonishes us to care, protect, love, and be strengthened by the courage to sacrifice for each other when the need arises.
Therefore, the older generation is saddled with the responsibility to model and teach the younger generation, the character to care, love, protect, and sacrifice for each other. Parents, teachers, and all the concerned institutions need to be intentional in making wholehearted efforts towards this in order to savage further deterioration in this regard.
Dr Amara Ann Unachukwu.
