Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
Mark 8:34-37

Dear God, I was scanning through Facebook this morning when I ran across an essay called “What If All I Want Is A Mediocre Life?” I’m not sure I totally agree with it, but it did come to mind when I read this verse today. Sometimes, oftentimes, there is a price we are asked to pay for great accomplishment and notoriety that is too high. It can cost us relationships, peace, and even our own soul.

In our couples group from church last night, we talked about how the dreams we had when we got married are very different than how things have played out. Any goals we were striving for back then changed. Even one couple (not in the group) that we know that has only been married for two years has already experienced life-altering changes to their dreams. He has health issues that keep him from working full time (and he’s only in his 20’s), and her post-secondary school ended up closing and she lost a couple of years worth of coursework. We can throw everything we have at life, pay the price, and still end up with nothing.

If, however, we hitch our wagon to your train we can at least carry your peace along the journey. And at the end of the journey, we will have our soul. The only thing we have to do is pursue you and then listen for your guidance each day–okay, that’s easier said that done.

Father, please help me to understand what what it means to take up my cross and follow you. Help me to deny my own ego and embrace your call. Help me to love well. Help me to have mercy. Help me to be your ambassador.

In Jesus’s name  I pray,

Amen