Someone Might Be Following You

What would you think if you heard or thought the phrase, "I think I'm being followed?" My guess is that like me you'd picture yourself somewhere with a person or car or group of people gradually getting closer and closer to you.

And you'd probably find your heart rate and accompanying sense of anxiety growing, fearing that the unknown pursuers could bring you harm. But let's say the person or persons were actually accompanying you on a hike.

Or you had told some friends in another car to follow you over to a restaurant, home or other destination. Different reaction, right? No panic or fear this time.

Or course, the word "follow" has taken on significantly new meaning in our digital, social, media world. If we're really successful or at least popular we'll have thousands of "followers." (By the way, my numbers aren't bad, just saying. Okay, so Taylor Swift is doing a bit better.)

But there's a far more important aspect of being followed that's worth remembering every day. In fact, this perspective can re-energize us, add life to our steps and purpose to our being. If you're discouraged about life, your accomplishments and whether you're making a difference, consider this powerful thought.

Someone IS following you. In fact, it's likely that more than one someone is following you. They're looking at your example, care, love encouragement, personality, ways of reacting and pretty much all you do, good or bad.

Who's potentially watching? Your kids, a neighbor, someone in a class you teach or facilitate, a spouse, a friend, an online reader, a child on your team or in your class, a person at church or work, someone you supervise. The list of possibilities is long but worth a look.

Okay, so someone is following you. So what?

Be thankful. Your life matters. Embrace what that might mean to you today. Look over your shoulder now and then.

Be the best example you can be. Our examples can have negative outcomes, so keep learning and practicing wisdom that applies what you're learning.

Don't get so busy that you ignore potential followers. Some of our followers actually want and get time with us.

Pray for your impact and for others who might benefit from being around you.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." He went on to tell us not to hide that light.

Things that can hide our "light?" Feeling sorry for ourselves, comparing ourselves with others, living in solitary, abandoning our gifts and talents, focusing more on us and our stuff.

You see, you are being followed. And if it hasn't happened already, someone's probably going to tell you one of these days what you meant and modeled to them. And you'll never be the same.