Be Like Little Children.. Imitate

Children are a joy to be around, most days. They have a keen sense of imagination and humor. Children also can pick up on the vibes you are giving off that day. It is funny how if I show up for work not in the best of moods that sometimes the children try to cheer me up, or they get in moods that are uncharacteristic of their typical behavior. Mostly I have learned when working with children is that I have to watch everything I do. I have to choose my words wisely, choose my actions and motives carefully, and how I have to treat others as I would want the children to treat their peers. At times I find myself holding my tongue, or choosing to act in a different way because Children are watching. One thing I have noticed is that the children in my class want to be just like "Mr. Andrew". Sometimes it is frustrating because they mimmick my every move and my every word. However, I know that I am someone they respect, love, and look up to. So, one may ask, "Why is it so difficult to act in a way that you want your kiddos to act." Simply, I don't know. Everything I want for them, I should want for myself. I should want to treat my peers with respect, talk gently to those around, and lend a helping hand when one falls down. When I think of how children always imitate their parents, teachers, or sibilings, I think of a verse in Ephesians 5:1 that says, "Therefore be imitators of God, as dearly loved Children." Man, I use to HATE for my brother to do what I was doing. He always wanted to go with me to basketball games, football games, or wherever I may have been going. However, I thought I was too cool to drag my little brother along. On the other hand, I knew that he just wanted to be like his Big Brother and that should have made me feel proud. Yet, I left him at home on many occasions which I feel terrible about because all he wanted to do was hangout with his older brother. At the same time, we should all be like little childrn when it comes to walking in the footsteps of Jesus. We should be imitators of Christ on a daily basis. Unlike my brother, I can't just leave Jesus at home; he is always with us. He is at school, work, church, parties, sporting events... He is always there. Just as little children imitate those older than them, we should imitate Christ in our daily walk of life. In verse 2 of Ephesians 5 it says, "And walk in Love just Christ loved us and gave Himself for us." Even though I get annoyed sometimes with my kids imitating my every step, I still love them because it makes me feel good to know that they even want to be just like me. At the same time, I want to be just like Christ who loved everyone, who surrounded Himself with sinners despite all the hate that was hurled at Him. I would give my life for those kids because I love them. Christ gave His life for us, because He loved us and wants to see us with Him one day enjoying the pleasures of Heaven. If you do not gain anything from this blog, gain this one thing.... Be like little children, and imitate Christ in your daily walk because imitation is the highest form of flattery.