Hi littleflower,
when I read your reply to Nini I was amazed!! just yesterday, at mass, Father talked about how christian religions are the only religions that acknowledge the role of suffering in this life as part of our preparation for heaven...and that suffering by and through Christ IS our way to heaven...your words were so reaffirming...I, too, try very hard to join my crosses with His...you seem to have found out how...I am still searching...I usually take back what I give and struggle with the weight of that cross...I pray that I will come to the place of spiritual growth that you have seemed to have reached...God has truly blessed you...