The by-products of a life of discipleship are many. Jesus demonstrated them to us in His life and He loved us so much that He longed for us to have the same relationship with the Father that He had. When we put others ahead of ourselves, we put our concerns aside because are absorbed in serving Jesus in others. With that comes peace and love and the ability to see a person as God sees them. I have an aversion to street people and want to be able to look at everyone as sons and daughters of God and therefore my brother and sister. I want to let go of my hang-ups and do as Jesus would do. St. Francis finally hugged the leper and I have my lepers to face. I want to follow Francis and am surrounded by those who follow His way. Their example is inspiring and they have helped me to grow spiritually.