There is no human life that is ever free of some suffering or pain. It may be something quite trivial, a little anxiety, worry; on the other hand something much greater and long lasting which could be a great burden. It is good to remember when we have to endure pain that our Lord said: “If you want to be my disciple, deny yourself; take up your cross daily and follow me . . .”
I remember being told two things about the cross in our lives; both have been very helpful. First: The real cross is the one you have not chosen, the one that doesn’t fit neatly on your shoulder. That is a very authentic cross and so very difficult to accept. The other... “Don’t drag your cross, carry it.” There is a lot of wisdom in that.
(by Basil Hume)
In a world of endless choices and the individualized freedom to get and do what "I" want, accepting a cross you can't customize like a Starbucks Latte isn't easy. Jesus probably felt the same in the garden... not my will, but yours.
I need to remind myself of this often. Jesus called me to follow him, I didn't choose him off an item rack. I need to trust that following him and learning to live the life he teaches me about is life to the fullest.
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