Copy Cats

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." Eph. 5:1




Levi loves to "cook."  I really think it is the
loud noise of a metal bowl and wooden spoon.



 As a teacher, I've always understood that children follow the examples they see. They learn best by the examples in front of them. Now as a parent of two 21 month olds I understand this in a completely different way. The boys are very much in the monkey see- monkey do stage. They love to copy things we do and say (talk about instant accountability!). What is even funnier is when they copy each other. If Luke has learned a new phrase or trick Levi learns it seconds later, and vise-versa. Oh, the joys of having a twin.



However, as parent this also very much frightens me. My kids are watching me. They are learning from me, ME! Our poor boys have flawed and sinful examples to learn from. But I take much comfort in Ephesians 5:1. I love that Paul didn’t tell us to be imitators of God, as stubborn adults set in their ways, but as beloved children. Kids learn by imitation. They learn by watching closely to see what those around them are doing and saying, and even not doing and not saying.



Luke saying over and over again "Heddo" on
the phone (please note it is really a remote control).



Just as our boys copy the little things we do like cooking, talking on the phone, sweeping the floor, trying to leash up our 100 lb. lab for a walk (this one is hysterical), folding their hands to pray before meals (and reminding us to say ma-men if we've prayed too long) we are called to imitate God in the same simple way Luke and Levi imitate. They learn just by spending time with us. The more they are around us, the more they imitate (both good and bad).

My job is to imitate the Lord in the same way our precious boys imitate. I’m so thankful that we have such good teachers in our lives, even if they can’t articulate a complete sentence yet.