Imitation

I have heard it said that imitation is a big form of flattery, and I can see that. Imagine someone admiring you enough to imitate on how you do certain things, on maybe views you have or even particular mannerisms.

Toddlers learn a good majority by imitating their parents. I had to laugh at a quote I once read "Children hardly ever misquote, in fact they are very good at repeating word for word exactly what you should NOT have said". I laugh because it's so true. But it can be a sobering thought as well. I remember with a smile my friend Sweetblessings and her son. If you knew SB, you would know that her DS was hers, because he picked up on their mannerisms. HEHEH Her son even has his daddy's eyebrow expression down pat! Gosh I can't remember how old he was, but he was very young when I saw him turn around to her and said something like "no mommy" but he wiggled his finger just like she had when she told him no countless times. I remember thinking "Oh how cute and hilarious" of course I was merely pregnant with my daughter at the time. I had no idea what the imitation would mean in my life. When Kaylin started to imitate me, yeah there are cute things... but all of a sudden I realized how careful I had to be of my actions and my mannerisms. Our kids could imitate us to a "T", so we had better be careful of what we portray. They really are learning and deriving who they are from imitation. I learned how to not be so quick to anger, because I began to see KK being quick to anger, I didn't want that for her so I had to change first!

Tonight was so cute. We usually use our bank cards to pay for things, hardly ever cash. On Wednesday nights we usually go out to eat at a near by restaurant. It's just easier on a church night, and this particular place is close and easy and decent prices. Anyway, KK had decided to bring her purse along. We let her, telling her she has to make sure she remembers it because we won't be going back for it. She mustered up the most mature face possible for a 2.5 yr old could muster and promised she would not forget her purse. We got to the restaurant and she was wanting to pay the lady right away, so I smiled and told her we need to eat first. "ok mommy" and she puts the fake credit card back into her purse. (it's one of those plastic credit cards that come in the mail with credit card offers rofl ). So we finish our meal, and the waitress comes out and asks if we would like to pay.. KK says " Bill please ". The waitress ( her name is Kelly ) gets down right beside her and asks how she is going to pay. Kaylin promptly pulls out the card, and hands it to Kelly. I asked if she could just bring out a piece of paper for KK to write on. Kelly did more then that. She had a fake price on real receipt paper with a real spot to sign... and kelly even brings it out in the credit folders with the card in the spot just like she does daddy's bill. KK, still being very serious about the whole ordeal, takes the pen and signs a little squiggle on the line. We asked her if she wanted to leave a tip, of course she did! ( Kelly got a 100,000,000.00 tip by the way ROFL ). After KK signed the paper, she promptly took out her card, put it back in her purse and handed the bill folder to Kelly. Daddy complains that she got the better bill ROFL ( the real bill was higher rofl )

Anyway it was all so very cute, and KK trying so hard to be grown up. She imitated daddy in paying the bill... right down to the last detail. She even looked at the bill like daddy does.

I've said all this and shared the story to ask you a question.. shouldn't we be imitators of Christ.... right down to the last minute detail?

Eph 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. NIV

When we imitate Christ in our words, in our thoughts, in our actions in everything then we can win two fold. Not only do you become a better person yourself, but anyone watching who may imitate you, learn to imitate Christ through your example. Actions really can speak volumes. Keeping in mind also that the oppostie can also be true.

Tonight I am on a journey to learn to think of how I could imitate Jesus in my life, rather then just 'do it my way" Things may just turn out a lot better!