Who Are You Following?

S.I. McMillen once told a story about a young woman applying to college. As she filled out the application, her heart sank when she read the question: “Are you a leader?”

Being honest and conscientious, she answered, “No, I am not.” She submitted the application, expecting the worst.

To her surprise, she later received this response from the college:

“Dear Applicant, a review of our incoming class reveals that this year we will have 1,452 new leaders. We are accepting you because we feel it is imperative that they have at least one follower.”

Upon reflection, the truth is that we are all following someone. We all have people we admire and emulate—some still living, others no longer with us. Whether we realize it or not, our beliefs and actions are deeply shaped by those we follow.

The real question is: Who are you following?

Today’s prayer was written by my friend, the late Rev. Dr. Roger Kunkel.

Let us pray: God of love, give us open minds and hearts, and complete trust in Your plan for our lives. Show us who we are and who You would have us become. Lead us in the way You would have us go, and as we walk a path we cannot yet see, give us light and the warmth of each other’s hands as together we seek Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.