One Minute Meditation | Sun, June 8

READ

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23).

Jesus tells us to take up our cross daily. What is this “cross” that Jesus calls us to embrace? Many look at the various trials and troubles that come into our lives as a “cross.” Perhaps there is another way to understand this “cross” we are to daily bear. I had a friend who told me she could never eat her lunch in peace. She explained that fellow workers would come to her and share their problems with her. “That is your cross,” I responded. I think we can view our “crosses” as those gift, talents, and abilities that the Lord gives us and calls us to use as we care for others. Using these gifts, talents, and abilities can put pressure on us as our lives can be interrupted, our time taken, and our emotional and physical strength sapped. The joy is found in that we get to do what Jesus did—use our lives to impact others with mercy and grace.

REFLECT

What cross are you taking up each day as you live out the gifts, talents, and abilities given to you by God?

RESPOND

Prayer: Jesus, You have called me to follow You in service to others. Thank You for the gifts, talents, and abilities You have entrusted to me. Help me use these in the lives of those who need Your love and my attention. I pray in Your holy name. Amen.