It’s possible to find yourself in a setting that evokes concern for your well-being by those watching your life. When someone comments, “You didn’t sign up for this,” it begs the question, “What did I sign up for?”

Marriage vows are easily repeated.

“In sickness or in health” doesn’t translate on that glowing day to dementia, incontinence, or immobility.

“Till death do us part” doesn’t picture many chapters of being apart because the other is not able to play a part.

But what did I sign up for?

I remember an exercise at a youth conference, decades ago now, where I signed the bottom of a blank page. This was done to symbolize that when we surrender to a relationship with Jesus we say, “Yes” to whatever he writes in the fine print.

Maybe then, in a deeper sense, I did sign up for “this.”

And maybe I wouldn’t change it if I could.

The One whose love for me is deeper than I can grasp has designed a pilgrimage that is forming me into His image. On some days, when the visibility is good, I can see that all my desires have been granted in what He has ordained.

Yes, I did sign up for this; but the bigger deal is that, on the cross, He signed up for me.