Such a copy cat!

 

I never understood why my kids got so frustrated when a younger sibling would copy them.  How many times did I hear their moanings of “She’s such a copy cat!!!!”  I mean, haven’t we all heard how imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?  I loved it when my kids were in the stages of imitating me, copying my mannerisms, using my expressions, pretending to be a mommy. Seeing them follow in my footsteps was such a compliment and a major responsibility.  Sure I fell short so much more often than I would have liked, but as a parent I embraced their imitation. I took advantage of it to set high expectations, teaching them manners, kindness, and love.  I wanted them to imitate me as I imitated Christ.  When they were little this was easy for me to understand what it should look like. It was seen simply by watching them share their toys, letting someone else go first, meeting the new kid, using please and thank you.  

But now my littles have turned into bigs and the clarity on that imitation of me is not so transparent.  In most cases, they’ve entirely taken out copying me, the middle man. Now they have their own beautiful personalities. Now they express their thoughts and ideas in unique ways…ways not necessarily like mine. At first, the momming side of me worried….they weren’t reflecting what I taught them the way I taught them.  But as they’ve grown and matured, I’ve been in awe. I’ve watched the transformation of them applying the imitation of Christ directly as they should. They have made their following and imitation uniquely their own. They have listened to instruction, learned from fellow Christians, and now are acting as they believe He would have them do.  I’ve witnessed exactly what is described in scripture as us the many being one body with many different parts; they definitely aren’t all going to be the same part as me. I’m admiring and learning as they develop their unique talents and methods, using the individual gifts God has given them to reflect and shine his light. 

I still take joy in the little ways I see myself in them, but I rejoice that as I watch them, I see more clearly the love of Christ and how He works in all of us uniquely.  Watching them walk in his footsteps is priceless! May God continue to use us parents, maybe not so much in the spotlight with our every move copy catted anymore, but in encouraging and imitating Him right along side our children, our brothers, and sisters. 

Ready or Not…

Recently I read an article on a brave Ukrainian woman who was sitting on her patio, minding her own business, when suddenly she spotted a war drone coming up next to her.  Looking around, she took up the only thing she had available and pelted a jar of canned tomatoes right at the drone, knocking it into an unplanned orbit and clean out of the sky. Who knows how many lives she saved in that moment, all because she had the courage and used what she was given.

The legend of this unnamed “jarred hero” reminded me of so many other strong women of the Bible who saw a need and stepped up with whatever they had on hand.  

-Jael, using a tent peg to deliver a nation

-Esther and Abigail using food to “butter up” kings and protect their people

-Rahab using a rope to save her household from a coming destruction

-A sinner using her tears and hair to show her love for Christ

Although we live in the 21st century and equal rights is a constant hot topic, I still often hear submissive women of the church belittling their ability to contribute to the kingdom, with comments about bench warming, more time in the nursery than participating, or “only” teaching children.  Sweet sisters, we are precious in His eyes!  Look around and see what He’s equipped us with, because He has given us each something…whether it be children to raise, food to prepare, ears to listen and shoulders to cry on, or even a jar of canned tomatoes!   There is so much that we can do that no one else can.  We are exactly where we are because He needs us there on that unique path.  We just need to be ready, look around, and use the gifts He’s put here with us. Y’all!!! Please keep nudging me and reminding me of this very thing. It’s so easy to get lost in the busyness and forget what it’s really all about.  I pray for strength, courage, and the awareness to grab what He’s given me and do what I can.

P.S. Thank you to all who have recently reminded me for everything there is a season, staying back with the baggage is just as valuable as being on the front lines, and God prepares us in His own exceptional way. Thank God you’re in my life.

PPS. And a special shout out to a darling sis who had plenty of jars of canned tomatoes to help a girl out.