Are You a Fan or a Follower?

"Polly, could you answer the door? Thanks sweetheart.  Tell them I'll be right there." I said. 
"Mom! Mom! Mom!  You've got to hurry, it's Jesus!" she replies.  "He's here at our house!  Hurry up mom!"
"Oh my gosh!  Are you kidding me?  Jesus?  Here?  How do I look?  Oh, this house is such a mess!", I reply.  "Nevermind.  Just open the door."

"Jesus!  Is it really you?  I can't believe you came all this way.  Did I win a contest or something?" I say.  "Wow!  I'm just in such shock right now.  I can't believe you're actually here!  So, what are you here for anyways?"

"Well, as you know I've been traveling for quite some time."  he replies.  "And I was just wondering if I could get a drink of water and use your restroom."
"Of course you can." I say.  "Whatever you need Jesus!  Can I fix you something to eat?  Oh, please don't mind the state of my house.  Things have been so busy lately, and I just haven't had time to clean."
"Oh, your house if just fine.  I didn't really notice any mess.  Just looks likes someone lives here."
He notices me staring so I say, "Sorry Jesus, I don't mean to gush or make you feel uncomfortable It's just that I've never had a celebrity in my own house.  In fact, I'm not sure my friends are gonna believe this.  Would you mind taking a picture with me?"  He nods his head.  "Really? You don't mind? Could you sign it too? Wow!  Sorry I keep saying that, but I mean WOW!  Thanks Jesus."  I'm awestruck.
.
"So, what brings you by this way?" I ask. 
"Work." he replies.  "I've just been carrying this cross around the world trying to share it with all of  my children who are in need."
"In need of what?" I ask. 
"Anything." he says.  "Some need love, hope, understanding, forgiveness, food, shelter, a friend, money, compassion, healing, reprimand, laughter.  Whatever they need.  I provide."
"No wonder you're tired Jesus.  I can't imagine how exhausting that must be."

A moment passes.  "Is there anything I can do to help?" I ask.
"Funny you should ask.  That's really why I'm here." Jesus says.  "Like I said before,  I've been carrying this cross everywhere.  It's dirty, covered in blood, and my hands are full of splinters.  I'm so tired, but I have so much more work to do.  I was wondering if you could help me?"
I can't believe what I'm hearing.  Jesus wants me!  "Sure Jesus.  I love that cross.  Without it, you would have never come here." I say.  "You name it, and I'll do it.    I'm a pretty good cook.  Would that help?  How about money?  I think I could scrape up some extra this month."
"Well, actually Leslea, I was hoping you would come with me." he says. 

Silence...

"What do you mean come with you?"
"I mean just what I said.  I want you to come with me.  My cross is heavy, and like I said these splinters hurt pretty bad.  I don't need you to carry the entire thing, just pick up the end and follow me." 
"Hmmmmm." I contemplate.  "Oh man.  Jesus, I'm flattered really I am.  But, gee.  I'm not sure.  How far did you say you were going?"
"Throughout my creation."
"That far huh?  Well, I'd really need to talk to my husband first.  Plus, I just got cast in this muscial.  I can't just quit.  Those people are depending on me.  I actually have a pretty important part.  It's also the last nine weeks of school.  That means CRT tests are coming up.  I can't leave the kids.  I have to help get them prepared. Not to mention Polly's graduation and zoo field trip.  There's no way I could miss those."
"Oh, I see." he replies.

"I'm sorry Jesus.  It's not that I don't want to help.  It's just that now's not the best time.  Maybe I could do something else to help.  I may even have some friends who I could call that would want to follow you." I suggest.
"Oh, okay.  Well, thanks anyways.  Oh, and thanks for the water.  I think I better get back on the road."
"Okay Jesus.  I can't thank you enough for stopping by.  And thanks again for the picture.  I can't tell you how big of a fan I am.  I mean, what you did, the sacrifice you made, that was truly amazing.  Maybe I'll see you around again sometime."
"Of course you will Leslea.  I'm never far.  All you have to do is call."
After he leaves.  I look down at the picture smiling.  It says, "To Leslea.  My number one fan!"

Do you love the cross or carry it?  How far will you go?  What will you risk?  Are you a fan or a follower?