Every day I pray, “Not my will, but thine be done”. Many times God’s will and mine are juxtaposed leaving me struggling with “why”. I think the simple answer can be found in two straight lines.
Many people wear a cross around their neck. Some are plain and simple in contrast to fancier pieces bedecked with jewels. No matter where they land on the jewelry scale, each one carries a great reminder for me.
The basic cross consists of a vertical line intersected by a horizontal line. This design of the opposite strokes reminds me of the contradictions in life and how they work together for my long-term benefit.
These diametrically opposed lines represent the contrast of joy/sorrow, happiness/adversity and my will and God’s will.
These seemingly discordant energies must collide to bring us through the storms of life, intermixed with the peace we enjoy, leading to true transformation.
We must fall apart through adversity, sorrow and accepting God’s will, coming out the other end reveling in joy and happiness with the acceptance of God’s will and mine aligning.
This blending and coming together is the road to reach a new level of understanding, living with faith, hope, and love. We need to remember through it all, it eventually does “come together”.
I’ve always said that God gives us enough joy for our happiness. And at the same time God provides us multiply adversities for our growth. These contrasting lessons come together, joining or crossing as needed for our spiritual development and growth.
So the next time you see someone wear a cross, or next time you feel that you are being pulled apart in opposite directions, let it serve as a reminder that this special situation is an opportunity for growth.
“Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity to learn and grow.”
