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[Eclyse Christian]

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Sir Kaylor,

You have asked that I put a quill to my thoughts, and illuminate that which I learned through the course of my week of sacrifice. What I have learned over the course of this week was that a human is capable of any sacrifice, as long as he can adapt.

For the first few days of silence, I found myself unable to communicate with those around me. I grew frustrated, longed to speak or shout or sing. Gradually, I learned to use gestures, or expressions, that I might more efficiently convey my thoughts and communicate my questions. I learned that where this one sacrifice was made, I was given a multitude of blessings that allowed me to communicate on a deeper level with those around me. And these are blessings that did not disappear the moment I was able to speak again, but will undoubtedly go with me the remainder of my days.

I’ve learned that in silence, oft we find the answers we seek. And to watch a person – really watch them – is to learn of their true self. When words are stripped away, what is left behind is the soul. Simple, unclouded, and honest. And when you understand someone, it takes far less to communicate with them. Often a look, a nod, a smile—these can speak volumes and touch the person on a more intimate level.

I’ve learned sacrifice, pure and unassuming, can change the way a person copes with the world around him. In my case, I had to change the way I went about trying to communicate – the way I sought the answers I needed, or imparted instruction. And I learned that I had to re-evaluate each situation and see what concessions I would allow myself to make, in order to achieve what I knew must be done. In this way, it was not unlike a constant and running battle plan whose tactics were constantly re-evaluated, revised, and set into motion again.

Above all, however, I have learned that at times, it pays to be still and silent. For only in sacrificing those things which distract us from our daily struggle to maintain virtue, will we be truly able to focus upon it. In the end, the sacrifices we make will enrich our lives, sharpen our minds, and allow us to live simply, so that the virtues become not just the focal point, but also the structure around which our lives are built.

In Sacrifice, Hope.
In Compassion, Love,
Eclyse Christian