Just now, I was listening to my son over the monitor talking to himself before he fell asleep for his afternoon nap (the monitor is actually in the baby's room, but is so sensitive it picks up sounds all over that side of the house!!) He sleeps with a giant Pooh bear, and has lots of great conversations with him before he drifts off to dreamland. Today the conversation went something like this
A: "When I tell you to do something, you do it. Right then. Do you understand me, Pooh"?
A:(in high pitched "Pooh" voice) "Yes Ma'am mommy, I will be your sweet boy"
A: Very good, Pooh, you have to mind mommy and listen to what she says
A: (Pooh voice) I know dat mommy, I have to obey my mommy and my daddy
A: That's right Pooh, If mommy tells you to sit there, you sit until mommy comes to get you
A: (Pooh Voice) "But I don't want to"
A: Well, you have to because I said so
A: (Pooh voice) I re-wy don't like I said sos, they make me bery sad.
This "conversation" he had with Pooh bear was actually an exact transcript of the conversation that he and I had we while out to lunch (with others) today. Whether or not he acknowledges it at the time, he listens to every word I say.... and remembers it. My life, my words, and my deeds are reflected in this little, moldable, sponge of a boy and he bears my imprint. The things I say and do are all observed and mimiced by him, and therein lies a tremendous responsibility.
That being said, where does MY imprint come from? Am I spending enough time in the word and on my knees everyday that he sees Christ in me... even as small as he is? What image does he see in my life? Does he see someone that absoutely delights and rejoices in him as our Father does in us? Does he see a mama that is too busy trying to adhere to her schedule and have a "perfect" house ... too busy to play with him? Does he see a mama that is constantly disciplining him? Does he see a mama that loves him unconditionally?
I hope that the imprint I leave on his life is the imprint that Christ leaves on mine. May this daily spur me on to spend more time in the word, more time in prayer and more TIME investing in the lives of my little ones than worrying about any "to do" list.
Easier said than done, isn't it? Especially when we start comparing ourselves and our lives to others. You know Mrs.___ that always has the perfect house, and cooks gourmet meals, or always looks perfect, or is amazingly organized, or... you fill in the blank. Want to know what my response has been to lately?? SO WHAT?? Big deal! I don't know her heart, I don't know what her walk is, and I don't know what the Lord is saying to her. But I do know what he is saying to me. And that is all I ever need to worry about. I need to worry about my imprint of Him. Becoming more like Him. Being made into His image. Those are the things of eternal value.
May the imprints we leave on the lives of our children, and those around us be the imprint and the image of Christ.
Col. 3:10... and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the IMAGE of its Creator. (emphasis mine)
Happy Wednesday and
Much Love,
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12 comments:
Jen, this post is so convicting to me, but in a good way. I sometimes my walk with Christ is just another part of a legacy that I will give to Caroline. Thank you for stating it so eloquently.
Amen Jennifer, thanks so much for this :o)
AWESOME post, Jennifer, and in my humble opinion one of your very best. Thank you for sharing your wisdom on this subject.
The impression we leave is unbelievable. I remember several years back when I taught, I had a mother tell me her daughter would go home and play school. She said her daughter would talk, teach, discipline and her mannerisms were just like mine. Scary thought.
I really like the story of Mary and Martha. It is easy to be a Martha. We want to please all and get that pat on the back. However, Mary is the one Jesus complimented. Shall we all be like Mary.
So true!
It's amazing what our children see and hear from us. I so want to be as much as a mirror of Christ as I can be. But we are human and we fail...yet, I think they see and sense that we are trying and that's so important.
Great post, Jennifer
Good writing!
Thanks for the reminder.
This was such a sweet & convicting post all rolled into one. Thanks so much for sharing! This is something that I struggle with daily.
I really love the idea of leaving an imprint--I think visual pictures help me conceptualize ideas. I read somewhere how you may not always feel like the best mom, but you are the mom chosen by God for your child. We are specifically what our child needs and The Holy Spirit can work through us to leave that Christ-centered imprint on our children's lives. Thanks for the reflection!
I have to admit I have been lurking here for a while, but I wanted to let you know you have been a blessing to me. I love how honest you are about motherhood. and I love your introspect and faith. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful and Amen...nothing more to add.
Amen Jennifer! And as usual, you said it so well.
Your kids will remember the things you did with them, not how 'perfectly clean' your house is. (o:
Great post Jenn.
Very true..
Very neat how andrew remembered what you said.
See you in a couple of weeks.
=]
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