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We are all called to be followers of Christ. Being a follower brings wonder and insight, comfort and peace, but it also brings challenges and encourages us to see the world in new and startling ways.

Following is a daily decision to join our risen Lord on the path to which we are invited. It is a decision to open ourselves to both the wonder and the challenge.

Now is the time to decide. A new, startling view of the world awaits.

Listen

Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:61-62

Think

There are moments in life when our families are expanded. We gain new additions through marriage, birthing and adopting children, making new close friends. In many different ways, throughout our lives, our understanding of family expands to include more and more people.

These additions to our families are small compared to the way our family expands when we become followers of Christ. The moment we decide to follow we are welcomed into an enormous family made up of all believers in every time and space. We get this amazing extended family. Our immediate families are still important, but we also see how important our brothers and sisters in Christ are too. We don’t have to let go of our nuclear families; we just need to celebrate how big our faith family is! Following Christ means we are given the gift of a huge family to love and care for and who love and care for us.

Jenny Clamon

Pray

Loving God, thank you for the gift of families both large and small. Help me watch to see my family grow today. Amen.

Go

Following means commitment to a way that is sometime clear,
And sometimes vague.
There is no assurance that you will always know certainty,
But you will surely know this:

The One you follow will always be with you,
Just ahead of you, offering in every moment,
In darkness and in light,
The invitation.