Description - A short anecdote to make you reconsider what burdens you are carrying.

Original Author - Unknown

Illlustration/Story - A young man was at the end of his rope, seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.  "Lord, I can't go on," he said.  "I have too heavy a cross to bear." The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room.  Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."  The man was filled with relief and said, "Thank you Lord," and did as he was told.  Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses, some so large the tops were not visible.  Then he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.  And the Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."

When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more fortunate than you imagined.

Verses - Luke 9:23

Questions - What does it mean to pick up your cross?  Why do you think Jesus said "daily"?  What would it look like if you DIDN'T bear it daily?