"Then he said to them all whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me" Luke 9:23. This verse isn't talking about bearing the burdens or trials that life has dealt you, which is what I usually think about when I hear "take up your cross". Instead it is about dying to self...your own needs and desires, your own dreams, your own understanding and surrendering to His leading, trusting in Him, that He knows best. It is hard, it doesn't come naturally or easy but then He reminded me of Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light". When you finally surrender to Him and stop wrestling for control then burden becomes lighter and you will find rest. This is a reminder to give up and let go of control.