When asked to write a few words, I thought, why have I been asked?  I don't feel worthy to write about things like this.  I'd rather read an article than write one.  But thinking back over the years, I seem to have had a few challenges (crosses) and some I still have, such as accepting illnesses and deaths, being a parent and grandparent, or just being retired.  We all have crosses.  Some crosses have been very heavy, others very uplifting.  The time spent with my Dad the last days   before he died brought extra specialness and closeness to an already special and close relationship.  It was an honor and privilege to be with Dad during his last days, praying and sharing about life and death.
     Recently I read a meditation that explained our crosses are simply challenges the Lord puts before us so that we will remain humble, but at the same time will be pushed to do things we never thought we could.  We must have faith that we will make the right choices and we must trust the Lord's plan for us.
     The weight of my cross has varied during the journey.  It has been very heavy at times, heavy to the point of being overwhelming.  There were days when I thought it couldn't get heavier, but then it did.  That's when I remembered He is always with me.  So I try to let go and let God.  My crosses are lighter every time I see evidence of God's work--God's plan for me, such as being with our grandson and children, hiking in the Colorado mountains, the impact of seeing St. Peter's Square and the Pope for the first time, and seeing millions of youth at World Youth Day at the Vatican demonstrating faith beyond their years.
     A number of years ago I said yes and became a Befriender at St. John's.  While it was a challenge, it has been a real blessing for me.  Whenever I am ministering, I experience the powerful presence of the Lord.  I consider it an honor and a privilege to be bringing St. John's to the homebound.  To me picking up this cross means being involved and feeling the Lord's closeness and presence.
    Jane Arnott