Sunday 8 November 2009

Follow me!

As most of you know I love to ride horseback. This picture was taken the other day as Susan and I were trail riding in a forest area of southern Michigan. It was a beautiful late fall day. Susan took the picture of me leading us on the trail. Amos likes to lead. He does not like to follow - his walk is a little faster than most other horses, so we lead and they stay with us. The important thing is - I had better know where we are going and keep my eyes open for "surprises". Amos does not like to be startled. So I try to stay alert!

I Corinthians 11:1 basically says. "... follow me as I follow Christ." Sooooo, if you want to know how to follow Christ, you should be able to follow me as Paul was implying and I should be able to be your example. If you are following me, I will really try to do my best, and if I screw up, please forgive me!

14 comments:

Parsley said...

Being in the lead, whether horse or human, is tough. We humans are guaranteed to mess up but thankfully the Lord guides and forgives.

While riding last year on an unfamiliar horse, we suddenly saw a deer as we rounded the corner.

The horse bolted but I hung on and took charge making him stop and deal with his fear.

Isn't that like life. We are just riding along and BOOM here comes a surprise. We bolt or mess up. That's when we can relax and let God take the reigns.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Parsley - Amos and I had that experience a couple of years ago - Amos thought the "Big Bad Wolf" had grabbed him! LOL The deer was very close - I saw it before hand - it snorted and bolted away - Amos wanted out of there.

Sometimes as God leads He reassures and we still bolt!

CrossView said...

That vest sure makes it easy to spot ya! ;o)

The woods are gorgeous!

Indian Lake Papa said...

When that picture was taken there were bow hunters in the woods as well! In fact one just off to my left of the picture - thats why the orange vest!!

Anonymous said...

It's a scary thought, isn't it? That we should be able to say, "Follow me as I follow Christ." Only as we walk worthy of the gospel, as our lives are congruent with our profession, only then do I want anyone to follow me. It must have been something to see Paul's life, that he could say that and know it wouldn't lead anyone astray...

I'm with you, Papa...please forgive me when I sin...

Indian Lake Papa said...

Michele - it is a big responsibility - but we can do it - you pray for me as I pray for you.

Ed said...

That is a beautiful looking trail. You do need that orange jacket in hunting season.

My grandfather, who did a lot of hunting always complained about the "weekend warriors" will shot at anything that moves. Farmers in Maine lose a cow or two every hunting season.

I was always a fast walker,but now I must admit I am now getting in a lot more practise at following. Most of the power has gone out of my power walking.

I hope you and Amos get to ride that trail together many more times in the years to come.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Ed, riding again on Thursday - I am enjoying the time in the woods looking at God's creation.

Peter Olson said...

On a much less serious note:

My favorite saying along those lines is;

If you're not the lead dog, the view never changes.

Ha! Ha! Ha!

I have to laugh when I get that visual. ;-)

Keep up the great job of leading! Remember we are right behind you.
God's love to you.

Indian Lake Papa said...

And Peter - watch where you step! Amos does take a break now and then. It was a beautiful ride - going again Thursday!

Life Adapted said...

Hi Papa, this is a great post. Our wedding song was "Follow You, Follow Me" by a band called Genesis (not a Christian band or a Christian song, but appropriate). If we are leading, we better be sure to keep in mind that we can easily lead others astray. I don't ever want to be responsible for leading someone down the wrong path so I guess it's vital to keep my eyes on Christ. Be blessed.

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - We must learn to follow - I admit I struggle with that more than I like. Its in my prayers every day.

DEb said...

Love pics of you and Amos.... I miss my SweetPea... I only leased her and that time is now up. Awwww...guess I'll live out my memories through you...LOLOL

Indian Lake Papa said...

DEb, I am having good times with Amos still - and he is not my horse now! BUt I still get to ride him.