Luke 9:23

Jesus has been turning over tables in the temples of our hearts. He has called the Meeks' to be his followers, and that ain't no easy task. Thankful for a merciful Savior who teaches us with grace every day how to be more like Him.
On Wednesday, Jesus spoke to me through the shenanigans of my 3 year old. We had a rough start to the day. Mouths full of sass-talk and fuses short. It was a eat a ton of chocolate in hopes things will get better kind of day, if ya know what I mean? Miraculously, the boys detached their leaching bodies from my legs and were entertaining themselves...but after a few moments of uncharacteristic silence I began to panic. Where are they? What are they doing? Who is killing who? I scanned the room and found Micah hiding under the kitchen table.
"Micah, what are you doing?" (read that with as much sarcasm and annoyance as possible)
Realizing he had been discovered, He emerged -- now shirtless -- with an expression of pride on his face.
"Look, Mommy. I draw Jesus cross."

On my knees -- literally -- I hugged this sweet child and thanked the Lord for him. Yes, he wore not one but three crosses on his chest.

Luke 9:23 Then he (Jesus) said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

What a gentle reminder that we are all called to take up our cross daily and follow Him. Not just on the good days when children are attentive, the sun is shining and coffee is brewed... but on the days filled with resistance, suffering and pain, chaos, insecurity...because whether or not we ask God for the eyes to see it, every day is filled with both.
Lord, let me never be so comfortable that I forget your mercies. Let me never be so blind that I don't see my hurting neighbor and lend a helping hand. Let me never forget the sacrifice you made for me...for us all.

Today, I will take up my cross and follow you.