My husband is an avid bike rider and you cannot imagine how excited Austin was this morning when he discovered a bike shirt in his drawer! The screams could be heard throughout the entire house.
You see, yesterday my sister brought over some clothes my nephew has outgrown and I had placed them all in Austin's drawers without him even noticing it. I never realized those shirts would have such an effect on my little guy.
"MOM!!! Can I go ride my bike right now!!??", he yelled from his room as he excitedly dressed himself in the bike clothes.
Next thing I knew, he was standing at my bedroom door all dressed and exclaiming, "Look Mom!! I look just like dad does!!"
"Of course you can go ride." How could I say no to that little face.
He wouldn't set foot out the door, though before calling his dad at work to tell him all about how his new bike clothes matched his bike and how he was just like dad. Then, he took off like a professional. How adorable he was as he rode away!
The other day, my husband was working on his car, so Austin went and grabbed his toolbox. Next thing I knew, he was under the car "working" hard. What a cute little mechanic he made!
My husband is also a guitarist and Praise and Worship Leader. Here is a photo of my oldest son, Chase.
Do you see a pattern here? I certainly do! My husband has an important task set before him if he is to influence our children for God. I think he does a tremendously good job at it. Just look at the evidence!
Parenting is a large calling on one's life. It is a big role to fill. To our children, we are heroes. Little do they know, they are our heroes! Someday when they become parents themselves, they will know firsthand just how much they influenced us.
I found this poem by Lee Fisher. It says it all. My husband keeps on his dresser.
A Little Fellow Follows Me
A Careful man I want to be, A little fellow follows me;
I do not dare to go astray, For fear he'll go the self-same way.
I cannot once escape his eyes, What'er he sees me do, he tries;
Like me he says he's going to be, The little chap who follows me.
He thinks that I am good and fine, Believes in every work of mine;
The base in me he must not see, The little chap who follows me.
I must remember as I go, Through summer's sun and winter's snow;
I'm building for the years to be that little chap who follows me.
(Lee Fisher)
May we strive to be the kind of people our children believe we are.
1 John 3:2- "Beloved, we are [even here and] now God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall [as God's children] resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is. (AMP)
May we strive to be like our Father, our Creator.
Colossians 3:10- "....renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it. (AMP)
Have you influenced your child today in a positive manner? Tell me your stories of how your little ones follow in your footsteps. Can't wait to hear from you all!
Love and Blessings,
Starr