Embracing the cross

We know that life is inundated with a variety of a million crosses to be dealt with and born.  Suffering, disappointments, hurt feelings, financial struggles, temptations of the flesh, relationship conflicts - each and every result of original sin.  It is easy to lose heart, complain, wallow in self-pity, question the number and nature of crosses which appear to be useless upsets in our lives.  Sure, we have a choice and can approach frustrations with a bitter, resentful attitude if we so choose, but who truly wants to add misery to their lives?  (Ironically, some do.)  

Doesn't the noble path call for acceptance and trust that everything works together for good in the Divine Plan?  Those who have gone before us witness that this is indeed true.  The martyrs chose the Lord over life itself.  He was their portion and their cup, and that was reward enough for them.  The saints embraced life's troubles with joyful, outstretched arms; they knew from whence strength would come and what treasure  awaited them at the completion of their good fight.  We have it much easier than most of those good people did, and still we grumble when the merest of things does not go our way.  More often than not, it is more than just a mere thing to the scope of our poor, simple intellects, and we permit our emotions to run amuck because our dreams/plans are not playing out as we desire.

Who holds all things in the palm of His hand?  Who gives motion to life itself?  Why are we so silly as to bewail life if it does not unfold as we hope - why do we stubbornly persist in attempting to orchestrate our lives to such astronomical degrees?  Suffering and troubles are thus necessary, to "gently" remind us to Whom we belong and to Whom we owe life itself.  Can we not bear our burdens in obedience out of love for Him?  I think so.  Especially when we know the cross was followed by the resurrection - pain and suffering will be followed by eternal rapture.  And, we need not be discouraged thinking that rewards will not be merited until after we are released from the physical world; He does draw near to us now, to comfort our soul, provide strength, draw us up again and again, and ever nearer to Himself.  Each time we embrace the crosses He permits us to suffer, we are all the more closely embracing Him and becoming more like Him.  What a reward in itself! <3 

How sad for those who choose the way of misery and self pity, viewing suffering as a useless waste of time and energy - if only they knew the peace that comes from taking up the cross as did He, and trusting in the Father's design.  Suffering is indeed a tremendous blessing, for without it, we would be at a loss as to how to both emulate and unite to, our beloved Lord.  We struggle as it is to follow in His footsteps in the way of virtue, as there are a myriad of temptations and distractions to either cause our failure or dilute our fervor.  So, we should rejoice when forced with suffering, for it has a simple approach - pick up the cross, carry it to completion, and lay it at His feet. 

"We are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, out inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal."  ~2 Corinthians 4:16-18