I don’t recall hearing anything more about Simon of Cyrene after he helped carry the cross. Did his encounter with You change him? Or did he only grudgingly lift Your cross, unaware he was stepping into historical, heavenly realms with the King? Did reluctance to carry the cross blind him to the majesty and power of the event? Did he miss the miracle because he ran to escape the bloody, painful cross as soon as it was possible?

And what about me? Do I desperately try to run from the crosses in my life? Does  my reluctance to go to the places You have ordained obscure the ability and privilege to see the Heavenly?

Or do I choose to follow You closely along the bloody, excruciating paths and like Mary, be there to witness Your Resurrection Miracle?