See the Gain

Why are we so afraid to sit in our sadness? I am learning something new about my own walk during this Lenten journey.  Every year up to now, I have always wanted to focus on the coming Easter Sunday and not dwell on Good Friday.  I have pushed my mind to think of the hope that comes in the resurrection after the crucifixion. While this is all good and it is where our hope lies, I'm learning that there is much value in the suffering of the cross and the death of Christ.  This year I am not pushing that aside, but rather letting my heart be in that moment through those days.  I'm finding that sitting in the pain is giving the hope of the resurrection a new depth.  Thinking about how alone Jesus must have felt and the weight he carried has made my feelings for him change.  It has brought on a new depth of gratitude for his sacrifice.  Yes it was just for me, but it was the burden of the sin of the world that he bore.  My sin alone is enough to make me shudder, but the burden of everyone's sin is more than I can fathom.  Yet, allowing my heart to stay in that moment is giving me a better perspective. There is gain in our suffering with Christ.  We need to learn to embrace it and find the mercy and grace that is so freely given. Suffering changes your life, whether it's Jesus' suffering for your sin or you suffering for him.  See the gain.