A negative comment will leave me crying for days. A person doubting me will send me into a spiral of doubt and confusion. My fear of criticism often keeps me from following my dreams.

And yet, Jesus invites all who follow him into adversity.

As Levi sat down with Jesus, the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees began to question Jesus’ choice to eat with Tax collectors. I always marvel at this part of the story, because if someone doubted my ability to sit with Jesus, I would believe them.

He sat in a hot, dusty booth, watching the ships come in. Dutifully, he tallied up the taxes that he would send to the Romans.

His own community despised him because of his job. He skimmed some off the top, but how could he not? He had to make a living. But for his trouble, he was labeled as a sinner, lumped together with prostitutes.

He noticed a broad band of people following a man. What an odd sight. It must be one of those religious teachers, he thought. He ignored their presence, knowing he wouldn’t be included.

Then the Rabbi looked at him and said, “Follow me.”

Every day, after daycare, my daughter and I walk the dog. The monotony of the activity became a chore, which one day my daughter refused to participate.

In a rare moment of genius, I asked her if she wanted to go on an adventure. She sang yes. We grabbed the leash and walked down the street, looking for squirrels. In our neighborhood, we regularly see deer, foxes, turkeys, owls, and even the odd hawk. Our neighborhood is full of animals and yet, intentionally looking for the most common of animals - a squirrel - transformed our walk into a magical adventure.