Caution! Children Watching!

Caution! Children Watching!

On a trip to an amusement park with my grandson, Elijah, I was truly amazed at how closely he watched the other children. When waiting in line, Elijah would watch the child next to him and do exactly what he was doing. When another child would cross his hands or lean on the fence or even try to climb up on the barriers....there was Elijah doing his best to mirror the actions of the other child. I knew that kids watch other kids and try to mimic them but I never realized how strong the desire to "do" and to "be" like others is there even in very young children.

It really got me thinking about how important it is for me, as a grandmother, to be aware that little eyes are watching my every move. I never gave this a lot of thought as my sons were growing up. And I have to admit I wasn't always the best example. Now that I'm a little older and a little wiser, but most importantly of all, I am a born again believer, I can see the importance of living my life imitating Christ in a whole new light. Just as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ," in all my interactions with my grandchildren, Elijah or Joshua (and any future grandchildren), I want them to see Christ living through me because I am living my life imitating Jesus and being a godly example for them. Whew! That's seems like a pretty tall order to fill until I remember that, of course, it is, if I'm trying to do it in my own abilities! I can be a godly example ONLY because Christ lives in me and through me. I just need to be yielded to His Spirit.

I can learn quite a bit from my grandson...I need to closely watch Jesus and imitate Him so that my grandchildren might see Jesus in me...and follow me as I follow Christ. That's a pretty good legacy to leave behind.

Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Mary Ann Kiernan is the Intake Manager at the Colony of Mercy