What does it mean to carry my cross? I think it means denying myself and doing God's will instead of mine, regardless of the difficulties involved, which include pain and suffering. But somehow, my cross has dwindled down into the shape of a splinter. My cross is no longer the price I have to pay for being faithful to the Lord, instead, it's a flat tire or a leaky transmission, it's another nagging overdue bill, it's my regret at having to return too many calls, or it's the weariness I feel when showing up at an extra meeting for church. Yes, I've somehow managed to take the real sting out of carrying my cross. My cross is the weight of a toothpick, but to hear me describe it, it's the weight of a boulder.

(Taken from my Spiritual Reflections: Attempting Honesty, 1999; published at NeedNotFret.com)