Photo and Commentary ©2023 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
I am sure, at some point in your life, you’ve played the game “Follow the Leader.” If I recall correctly, you line up behind one another and the person at the head of the line starts walking, skipping, running, etc. The goal for each follower is to do what the leader does as closely as possible. I don’t actually remember how the game ends, or if there is any specific ending. Maybe it’s just until the majority gets tired of copying the action of the leader.
While out on a walk, I came across this group of waterfowl. As I was framing the image, all I could think of was the phrase “getting my ducks in a row.” After snapping the shot and doing a little research to make sure I knew these birds’ identification (American coot) I learned these aren’t ducks. In fact they’re a distant relative of the duck family but are part of a separate order of classification. Regardless of being a duck or their correct other name (mud hen), what I witnessed as they moved around the lake was “follow the leader.” As a group they would be floating/swimming along and the lead bird, for whatever reason, would instantly change directions, and all the others would follow. As I watched them, I saw this happen on several occasions.
We as humans can be like these American coots. We can see someone doing something, copying them and then if they change, we do the same. In some cases that can be good, depending on the person and their actions. In other cases, this could be a very bad practice. And in the moment, there are times that it’s difficult to discern what we should copy and what we shouldn’t.
I’ve got good news – real Good News. The only leader we need to follow is our Savior. When we do that, we will most assuredly, end up in the right location. No need to always look at others around us and try to mimic or copy their actions. No, all we must do is stay directly behind the True Leader and the only One that truly cares for each of us.