Take Up Your Cross&

     "I let go over everything... that I may come to know Christ and the power flowing from his resurrection." 
    Phillipians 3:8 & 10
     On the whole, my life has been quite blessed.  But there have been some crosses along the way.  Times to let go--and to grab hold.
     Twenty years ago, my husband died unexpectedly and all of a sudden my life changed dramatically.  I had to let go of my life-mate and I had to grab hold of my own life.  I was scared!  I had not been accustomed to making decisions before, and suddenly they were mine to make.  There were many things to learn about houses, cars, taxes, finances, LIFE!  The next few years held some very heavy crosses, but God's Grace channeled through other people, was sufficient.  I began to experience the power of resurrection.  Today I am a stronger, healthier person.
     Fifteen years ago, my father died.  I had to let go of a beloved parent, and I had to grab hold of the hand of my mother.  This time I had to be some of God's Grace for her.  At age 81, she needed a little help in life.  Five years later, at age 86, mother had a major stroke, and she needed a lot more help handling her life.  We both needed to let go of our independence and grab hold of God's Grace.  It's not easy to care for an aging parent.  But we both experienced the power of the resurrection.
     In February, at age 96, Mother died.  Once more I have to let go of a parent and grab on the God's Grace--and all of Mother's worldly affairs!
     Let go of all else.  Take up the cross that God puts before you.  Through the cross that you bear, you will experience the power of Christ's resurrection.  Grab on to God's Grace.  It is everywhere.
   -- Dorothy Kunze