Watching

They are watching us closely. With one small gesture this reality hit me again this last weekend. After mowing the lawn I grabbed a push broom to sweep some of the grass clippings off of the driveway. My son Caleb, now 5 years old, usually enjoys helping me with projects around the house. Anticipating that he would want to help, I handed him our spare push broom for him to use. He grabbed it and we immediately began to sweep the driveway. We enjoyed talking as we worked together. When we finished I shared with him how much I enjoyed working with him. I then took my broom and to clean it off I knocked it on the grass a couple of times, then I flipped it over to the other side and knocked it once more. We continued talking and without hesitation Caleb took his broom and did the exact same thing. I did not ask him to do this, and what I observed was more significant than a common response we might see from a toddler who proudly wants to be just like his daddy by mimicking his father’s every move. I don’t believe that Caleb was trying to impress me. He was simply following my lead and my example, and it hit me all over again – they are watching us more closely than we often realize. The rest of the afternoon I couldn’t help but ponder the type of example I am to my kids and to this next generation. How I navigate through life impacts others, especially those younger than me. How I handle disappointment and frustration in life models something to them. How I deal with success and blessing teaches them something through my example. The way I approach my faith and the priorities I uphold speaks to the next generation. Our lives impact others.

The Apostle Paul made a bold statement in 1 Corinthians 11:1 when he appealed to the Corinthian church by encouraging them to “follow [his] example, as [he] followed the example of Christ” (NIV). I have to ask myself, can I make a similar request to others, especially my own children? Am I so consumed with Christ and His mission for my life that I can confidently ask others to follow me as I follow Christ? I am convinced that this next generation needs mature believers (those whose faith is authentic) who are inviting them to join their journey in pursing God. Fewer things could have such an eternal impact! If you are not already doing so would you please consider ways in which God might use you to impact others, especially those following in your footsteps?