Tuesday — April 27, 2004 What's Following You? While my husband Jay pruned shrubs, our dog slept quietly in the grass, her leash fastened to the garbage can to keep her from wandering away. All was peaceful in our front yard. Then the neighbor came over to pet Maggie. Startled, Maggie bolted to escape, dragging the garbage can behind her. The clanging can intensified Maggie's terror, and she tried frantically to outrun it. But the faster Maggie ran, the louder the garbage can clanged and banged from driveway to sidewalk to street. Jay ran after her, but she was too frightened to let him get close. As Maggie and Jay circled the cul de sac, garbage flew in all directions. Neighbors came outside to watch the circus. To stop Maggie, Jay finally had to tackle the garbage can. Oddly enough, Maggie's trash can catastrophe reminded me of Psalm 23. In this ancient passage known for providing comfort, I found a new insight. The first five verses tell how God gently leads and feeds us, cares for and protects us. But verse 6 introduces a subtle change. Instead of talking about the way God leads us, the psalmist speaks of what follows us. According to the text, goodness and love follow me as I follow God. In other words, His loving care is following me throughout my life. Like Maggie, some people are fastened to garbage cans. As long as life goes smoothly, they sleep peacefully, unaware of impending danger. But even a small disruption startles them. They try to escape but find themselves tied to the garbage can of empty values and false promises. In trying to get free, they leave a trail of distrust and misunderstanding. As believers in Jesus, though, we can have confidence in knowing that as we follow God, His goodness and love are backing us up. As we turn to the one true God who replicates His character within us, we can leave a trail of His goodness and love in this world. —Julie Ackerman Link