Come and Follow

Opening the door she looked out into the yard for the dog. There she sat--at the end of the sidewalk near the gated driveway watching her world move around her. The wind was blowing and she appeared to be moving even though she was sitting still.

Not wanting to lose the warmth of the house she called to the dog, "Come here girl, come in." Nothing--the dog looked at her as if she were speaking a foreign language (if she was speaking at all) and didn't move. Changing her tone to more playful, she bent over and beckoned with her hands, "come here baby, it's too cold to stay outside . . . come on pretty girl." Again, nothing; no movement . . . she actually turned away from her!

Closing the door, she watched the dog through the glass panes. She actually looked at the house, rose, and took a couple of steps towards it . . . until the door opened again. "Dita, baby, come in the house." The dog stopped with one paw in the air as she considered the merits of following the request or not. Just as the door was about to close again, she launched herself forward and raced up the steps, into the house . . . energized and quite proud of the game she had played.

"Supper's ready, come and get it," she called as the sound of feet (and paws) thundered toward the kitchen. Filling their plates, they ate and talked over their meal. The animal's bowls were filled as well. Once they had checked them out, the dogs lay on the floor within sight . . . just in case there should be the odd accident and their cleaning services were required. The cats sat in the window, glancing toward those eating, yet content just to be near.

Heading toward the barn, he called to the horses in the pasture. Calling them by name, he urged them to come in. Some ran towards him, others meandered their way slowly, and one just stood and looked at him. "Come on . . . you don't want to get left out!" Those running surrounded him, pushing noses into his hands and pockets, hoping for a treat as the rest made their way in. Soon he was surrounded by the herd as they jostled for position, pets, love, and treats.

Calling him by his full given name, she ordered him to "Come Here!" He drug his feet as he slowly walked toward her. The tone of her voice told him he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear. Still he came to her as he wondered about her summons. Steeling himself for a scolding, he turned to listen to her words . . . .

We hear (and use) the words "come . . . follow" so often. Sometimes they are leading us to something wonderful; sometimes not. Yet the words are a staple in our language.

Jesus used the phrase "come and follow" at least twenty-three times that we know of in the New Testament. The words were significant. They were an invitation, an order, and a suggestion. Jesus invited his disciples to "come and see;" to follow him; to discover the ways and purpose of God.

We find the same thing in our lives today. We are invited to come to God; to see that the ways of God are good; to follow and live in harmony with God. God doesn't mind our questions, our doubts. God wants us to come and follow; to know the peace that goes beyond human understanding; to discover the joys of relationship with God; to learn to live with freedom, justice and peace as the core of our lives. God invites us to come . . . to discover . . . to grow . . . to experience God.

God, who calls to our hearts, we hear your voice invite us to dwell with you, to follow your ways, to grow in relationship with you and our fellow travelers in this life. Help us to live in such a way that others want to come and follow you as well. Help us to live so that you are seen as the one who makes us different, who brings us peace, who loves with magnanimous grace. Teach us to come . . . and to follow. So be it. Amen.