Winter can be depressing. Depending on where you live in the country, you may not get to see the sun for two or three months. It can be bone-chillingly cold and there is little sign of life except for the brave neighbors who shovel their driveways. The days are short and dark, the trees are lifeless, and we don’t hear children playing outside or birds chirping. It can be so desolate. Carrying our cross is often a “winter” for our soul. It can be challenging, lonely, and feel never-ending. The hope that we have in Christ is for the springtime that is to come. We carry our cross and accept death to ourselves so that we can experience the Resurrection with him. The budding of flowers and leaves on the trees, the warmth of the sun, and life coming to bloom again. But in order to experience this beautiful springtime, we must first go through the trial of winter.

The cross is the icon of our discipleship and witnessing. We transform others with our witness to become world-class Christians. So, when you carry your cross, you are not only a disciple, but also you’re witnessing to what the cross stands for “to lay down our life for one’s friends!” That’s what Jesus did: he gave his life for all of us. No questions asked. Period.