Fall leaves blanketed the ground, and I could only see the next three feet as I kept walking. I was in the middle of the woods, and I had never hiked this path before. It was revealed because leaves on the path were crushed. As I told this story, someone asked: Who crushed the leaves? In all the years I have recounted this experience, I had never considered that question.

Others had hiked it. In fact, many others had. That day I was alone on the trail, but when I looked down, I saw the impact of footsteps.

As I think about the Scriptures, one stands out: 1 Corinthians 11:1, where Paul tells the believers in Corinth to “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

While I’m sure there are people I never met who crushed the leaves of the path I am walking, I can recall ones who stepped where I am stepping as they each followed Jesus.

My mom, walking the path of service and devotion to God. Sitting at the kitchen table with her Bible in the morning, as I now sit in God’s presence.

Harold Andrews, the pastor in my hometown, who walked me through nature and described the markings of the hand of God that I now reflect on.

My dad, who gave me the vision and demonstrated how to cross cultures, which is my calling.

Jeannie Musick, who stepped out in faith to minister in a Black gospel choir as a White woman. She showed me an example of raising up Black leaders, an example I follow.

And what about you? Take a moment to consider who crushed the leaves of your path, and thank them for showing you a path you now follow.