Two Ways to View the Crosses we Bear

When I am especially troubled by something that has happened or by someone that has upset me, I try to cultivate an opposite emotion. For example, when I experience anger, I think about forgiveness; when I am jealous, I think of all the things in life for which I am grateful.

We bear our crosses for years and years. These crosses take a heavy toll on our bodies and our minds. Have you ever thought for one minute that you don't have to carry your cross? That you don't have to worry, feel anxious or fearful of what will happen tomorrow? Did you every stop to think that you don't have to rehash all the bad things that happened to you in your past? There is a solution to bearing your cross.

Put the cross down.

Don't carry around the past in your mind. Don't try to anticipate what the future will bring.

Put the cross down.

Live each moment as if it were your last. Live in the present.

Put the cross down.

It sounds so simple, but it takes practice. You have to wrestle your thoughts and focus on what is happening in this second. When you stay in the present for a moment, a few minutes, or a few hours, you experience a lighthearted joy. But you have to be consistent. You have to make an effort each and every day. So, if you want to be happy and experience peace...

Put the cross down.

I received this poem in an email today. It touched me so much, I wanted to share it with you. I don't know the author of the poem, but I'd like to acknowledge him or her just the same.

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain ....

Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall,
But God's always ready, To answer your call ...

He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
A word from His lips, can calm every fear ...

Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, dawn's early light ...

The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
To give you His grace, and send you His love ..

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
"God always sends rainbows .... after the rain ... "