As a tax collector, Matthew most likely had a fairly lucrative business. And yet, at the request of Jesus, he left his tax booth and followed.

Similarly, Peter went ashore, laid down his nets, and followed Jesus when summoned. And their lives would never be the same. All of his disciples left their well established lives to follow Jesus throughout his ministry and beyond.

Have you ever received such a call that would drastically change your life's trajectory and chose to follow that call? Such a call is usually a clear summon to go in a very different life direction. Such a call involves an unmistakable choice and requires an action on our part.

But what about the more subtle spirit nudges that we encounter on a regular basis. These don't involve pivotal life choices but are still a beckoning to action. When we see the person at the gas pump next to us who only puts $10 worth of gas in their car because that's all they can afford. Or someone who has to choose groceries to put back when they discover that they can't afford everything they've hoped to purchase. Or the friend that we hear about who is having a rough time and could use a call or a text or a visit. Responding to these nudges won't necessarily change our life paths but could have a significant impact on others.

Too often these opportunities present themselves in a moment that I have let pass without taking action and I instantly regret not responding. My cousin Bobby is one who is attuned to nudges. When he sits down with the young homeless man and says "Would you mind telling me your story?" When visits the table of elderly veterans in a restaurant to thank them for their service and pick up their check. Or packs up food from a restaurant and takes it to the homeless person on the sidewalk outside. It is those moments that he recognizes and doesn't let pass that may not turn his life around but can make a world of difference to the recipients of his kindness.

The big calls are important, they demand our attention and response and can make a tremendous difference in our lives; but they come ever so seldom. However, it's those spirit nudges that we receive in our daily lives that, if we recognize and respond, can make a significant difference for someone else's day. As Pastor Jonathan admonishes us, "Stay alert!"

Heavenly Father, sometimes we need the courage to respond to the big calls in our life. You have plans for us that may take us in a totally different direction but they offer the reward of knowing that we are following your will. But help us to always be attuned every day to the nudges to respond when we see your children in need of our resources, our attention, and our care. Help us not to let those opportunities to share your love pass us by. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Charlie Barton.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.