Simon.
He was minding his own business. Coming to Jerusalem for the Passover, he was joining thousands of others to remember what God had done for Israel at Egypt. He was there to pray for deliverance from Rome as well. The prayers of the Jewish faithful prayed for God to act once more. It was obvious that Jesus wasn’t going to be able to carry the crossbeam for his crucifixion. Simon was forced to carry the crossbeam to Golgotha. While the Bible is silent about Simon, we wonder what he thought and felt as he carried that heavy piece of wood. Did he think about his own death? Was he worried that he might somehow be crucified? Did he stay for the crucifixion? Did he join in the mocking of Jesus or was he silent? We don’t know answers to any of these questions. It is difficult to imagine that Simon’s experience left him indifferent and unfazed. Can you imagine Simon thinking how this was the worst day of his life? Can you imagine Simon asking why he is the one who is compelled to carry this cross? Tradition tells us that Simon became a believer. Mark mentions the names of Simon’s sons. Mark’s gospel was written from Rome. See Romans 16:13. Maybe Simon’s worst day actually became the best day of his life. What would happen if the events of bad days were viewed as opportunities for growing closer to God? What if bad days are really good days in disguise? Let’s live each day with wonder to see how God is going to use that day for our good.