Monkey See Monkey Do

All kids go through this stage...in fact while there is a definite age where it is more prominent I don't think it ever really goes away. The stage I am referring to is when kids mimic or copy everything they see someone else do. Kate is in this stage.

It is cute when she attempts something that she saw me do, but clearly doesn't really understand. A couple days ago I was aggressively pumping the hand soap dispenser because it was almost empty and I turn around to see Kate attempting the same with the dispenser on her baby shampoo.

Kate is also convinced that the appropriate way to hold a phone to your face is balanced between head and shoulder, not with your hand. (Apparently I multi-task often!)

This stage has deeper implications that go way beyond cute. She's watching.

She's watching me.
She's watching others.

And she's learning. And she's doing.

In 1 Corinthians 4:16 Paul says to the church at Corinth, "Therefore I urge you to imitate me." He also tells the church at Philipi in Philippians 4: 9, "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

These verses intimidate me. Do I want to confidently look at my daughter and others who look up to me in faith and say "do as I do?" Well, yes I want to, but I know that with that comes a big responsibility.

I am challenged by my awareness of Kate's awareness. I want to model for her a strong woman, generous with her time and resources, hard working, a positive, joyful attitude, someone in control of her feelings/emotions, respect for her husband, a fear of God...and so much more. (We've come a long way from soap dispensers :))

While it can be intimidating to have a little mimicking monkey, I am also grateful for the accountability that gives me to make myself someone more beautiful in God's sight each day.

Pardon the country song reference below, if you're not a fan, but the following lyrics illustrate the importance of the job we have as parents, when young impressionable eyes are on us all the time.

Artist/Band: Atkins Rodney
Lyrics for Song: Watching You


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?”

Chorus:
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?”

Chorus:
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."
hey yeah
uh huh