I'm watching you

The other night I was sitting at the table for supper with my little sister (she's 3). She was talking and being cute, when she looked at me and said, "I want to be just like you!" and smiled. I was taken back and surprised. She want's to be like me? Whatever for? I don't realize how much they watch me, but it's enough that they know they want to be like me. Man, I immediately begin to think of all my flaws. Makes me think twice about how I act, the things I say, how I respond to my parents, how I work...am I doing those things in such a way that glorifies God? I remember in church one day during worship we were singing and I look over at my 5 year old sister, standing the exact same way I was. I make a impact on others, young children, without even realizing it sometimes. So my point is, be aware of what you do, because there are people watching you! Whether you know it or not. The way you live your life is the best witness you can give. Words don't mean anything unless your actions prove it true. I can say I love God all I want, but does my life reflect that? Do the things I do and say show my love for Him? They should. In 1 Timothy 4:12 it says,"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." It also makes me think of a country song by Rodney Atkins called ''Watching you". Here are the lyrics:

Drivin' through town just my boy and me
With a Happy Meal in his booster seat
Knowin’ that he couldn’t have the toy ‘til his nuggets were gone.
A green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my brakes and mumbled under my breath.
His fries went a flyin’, and his orange drink covered his lap
Well, then my four year old said a four letter word
It started with “S” and I was concerned
So I said, “Son, now where’d you learn to talk like that?”

He said, "I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?
I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah, we’re just alike, hey, ain’t we dad?
I want to do everything you do.
So I’ve been watching you."

We got back home and I went to the barn
I bowed my head and I prayed real hard
Said, “Lord, please help me help my stupid self.”
Just this side of bedtime later that night
Turnin’ on my son’s Scooby-Doo nightlight.
He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees.
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
Spoke to God like he was talkin’ to a friend.
And I said, “Son, now where’d you learn to pray like that?”

He said, "I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?
I’m your buckaroo, I want to be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
We like fixin’ things and holding momma’s hand
Yeah, we’re just alike, hey, ain’t we dad?
I want to do everything you do; so I’ve been watching you"

With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug.
Said, “My little bear is growin’ up.”
And he said, “But when I’m big I’ll still know what to do.”

"‘Cause I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?
I’m your buckaroo, I want to be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
By then I’ll be strong as superman
We’ll be just alike, hey, won’t we dad
When I can do everything you do.
‘cause I’ve been watchin’ you."

Now, as he begins this song, you can see the negative example this father is showing. But it just shows how especially little kids watch older people and pick up on the littlest things. So be careful, be aware.

Set a good example...you never know who's watching you.

Partings

I've had a lot of thinking about goodbye's lately, and there's reason for that, but it got me to thinking. I hate goodbye's, I'm terrible with them, and dread any time I have to say it. However, I got to thinking, we never have to say goodbye to God. He's always there. Anytime. Anywhere. Whenever we need him. He's never changing and will never leave us nor forsake us. I think about that, and I feel safe, secure and more than anything, loved. Loved by the God who made the world and everything in it. He loves me and want's to be a part of MY life. Wow. Never ceases to blow my mind. Our God is so good.