A ROOM FULL OF CROSSES

SUNDAY'S LYRICS

"God never sends us more than we can handle." - Mother Theresa

The first time I read this, I was just a junior in undergrad.  I had received it in my inbox and began glancing through it, not expecting it to be important or to deliver anything special.  What I found was as I read each line I began hanging onto every word only to be surprised by the ending, AND finding truth in it.  It's a story I often reference to others, and turn to when life is challenging.... Whenever you are weathering a storm or feel like you're spiraling downwards in a bottomless well,  know that this too shall pass and you are equipped to handle whatever life is throwing at you. 

 A Room Full of Crosses

A young man was at the end of his rope one day. He felt as though he had tried everything he knew to remedy his situation. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.

"Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy of 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. "Thank you, Lord," he sighed as he did as he was told. Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses, some so large that the tops were not visible. Then he spotted a small 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."

The young man had just been taught that when life's problems seem overwhelming, he should look around and see the problems of others.

He probably will find — as we all would — that he is far more fortunate than he ever imagined.

When is the last time you stopped and looked around to consider your blessings?

-Tim Woodward