The car cut sharply in front of me causing me to quickly apply the brakes.

Wonder where they are going in such a hurry?

Or maybe it’s not that they are going to any particular place, maybe they just want to be in front.

Everyone wants to be a leader, it seems.

Years ago when I was a first grade teacher, you could safely predict that lining up a class of lively first graders needed a plan. And even with a plan there might be some shoving and pushing for ‘headsies’.

Everyone wanted to be the line leader.

That seems to carry over into so much of life, doesn’t it?

But leaders are made, not born. It takes being a follower to become an effective leader.

   Learning to listen, to lead with kindness, to have clear expectations

All too often we just want to lead and have others follow us. Makes things so much easier, we think.

Jesus cautioned us about power and position.

Become like children, He said. (Matthew 18:1-3)

The first shall be last, and the last first. (Matthew 20:16) Kingdom values.

We struggle with taking the least position. We chafe against following.

Even the children fight for position.

But the way of peace and purpose is discovering that God is our Leader.

And we are His followers.

Just beginning to realize that its not up to us, that our life is gift and that He leads the Way.

How freeing.

I just want to celebrate. Blow bubbles, set off fireworks and hang the streamers.

He has promised to lead us safely, carefully through life as we follow and obey Him.

Yes, He gives us each places where we do lead. Responsibilities. Callings.

But He is still the Leader whispering to us that He has everything under control.

Trust

   And Obey.

His burden is easy.

As the breeze blows through my upstairs bedroom window this morning, I sense His Peace.

Rest in Me, He whispers.

Wherever you are today, know that He loves you.

And remember that He wants to lead you.

In order for Him to do that, we must be willing to follow.

Well, I’m getting behind Him.

Whew, it’s much easier being His follower.