Monkey See, Monkey Do - The Responsibility of Living a Life Worth Imitating
The Responsibility of Living a Life Worth Imitating. How my daughter reminded me of the weight of our example and the beautiful responsibility we have to point our children—and those around us—to Christ through our everyday lives.
FAITHMOTHERHOOD
Laura Pelletier
7/30/20264 min read
Monkey See, Monkey Do
The Responsibility of Living a Life Worth Imitating
"Monkey see, monkey do."
Whether we realize it or not, someone is always watching us. They see our actions and may choose to imitate them—or decide they want to be nothing like us. People often unconsciously pick up our habits, attitudes, and even our mannerisms.
We all have eyes on us, whether it's in public, online, or within the walls of our own homes.
As Christians, we have the incredible responsibility of pointing those watching us to Jesus Christ. Our heart's motto should be:
"Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ."
— 1 Corinthians 11:1
As a stay-at-home mom, I have two little blessings watching me constantly, and I am convinced that my toddler will do what I do far more often than what I say. 😂
A Little Copycat
About a month ago, a cat showed up at our home and has decided our yard is now part of its daily routine.
Now, I like cats, and Aliza is absolutely thrilled about our furry visitor. My husband, however, is very allergic, so I try to keep a safe distance to avoid bringing cat hair into the house.
Aliza has watched me many times shoo the cat away or even spray it gently with the hose (because this persistent kitty keeps coming back for attention!). While the cat is mostly friendly, Aliza doesn't understand boundaries yet, and I don't want her getting scratched or bitten.
Well...
My little monkey saw exactly what Mama did.
Now, whenever she sees the cat, that's her cue to run toward it, waving her little hands while saying, "Sew! Sew!" (her version of "Shoo!")
She'll even point at the cat from across the yard and proudly announce, "Sew!"
The funny part is she doesn't quite understand what she's saying yet because she'll tell the cat, "Sew, sew!" and then immediately say, "Mon! Mon!" ("Come! Come!")
Toddlers are wonderfully confusing.
As adorable as it is to watch her copy me, it's also incredibly sobering.
My actions have a direct impact on my children.
More than anything, I want my children to know Jesus. But if I'm honest, there are plenty of days when my actions don't perfectly point them to Him.
Praise the Lord that Jesus showed us mercy and forgiveness on the cross. When I fail, I have the opportunity to model the gospel—not by pretending I'm perfect, but by asking for forgiveness, repenting, and pointing my children back to Christ.
That, too, is something worth imitating.
A Little Mama Win
One Sunday morning, Aliza was having a very emotional start to the day. We hadn't even made it to breakfast before there had already been several meltdowns and lots of tears.
I picked her up, carried her to the couch, sat beside her, and gently told her that instead of crying, we were going to thank God.
Then I had her repeat after me.
"Thank You, God."
"Na nu Gaw."
"For Daddy."
"Da-yee."
"Thank You, God."
"Na nu Gaw."
"For my swing."
"WEE!"
One by one, we thanked God...
Baby Barrett
Outside
Mommy
Her toys
Blueberries
I was pleasantly surprised that she calmed down and repeated every single thing.
I thought that was the mama win.
But the part that brought tears to my eyes happened later.
As we were driving to church, I thought she was simply making happy little toddler noises in the back seat.
Then I heard her.
"Na nu Daddy... Na nu Mommy... Na nu Baby..."
My little girl was listing everything she was thankful for.
In that moment, I couldn't help but smile.
God's Word reminds us:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
— Philippians 4:6
Rather than allowing anxiety, frustration, or sadness to consume us, I want my daughter to learn to turn to God with a thankful heart.
We're also told:
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18
I want Aliza to remember that we can give thanks to God no matter what is happening—or what awful toddler circumstance she's melting over. Even in the little things, we can choose gratitude because God is always good.
No, she doesn't fully understand the gospel yet.
But she is beginning to understand biblical truths.
She is learning that we can always thank God.
She is learning that we can pray.
She is learning by watching.
What an incredible privilege—and responsibility—it is to teach my children what God has first taught me.
Because whether we realize it or not...
Someone is always watching.
May our lives be worth imitating because they point to the One who is truly worthy to be followed.
A Prayer
Lord, continue to transform me into the image of Christ, maturing me into the fullness of Him, so that my children—and everyone watching my life—will see Christ in me and be drawn to imitate Him.
(Romans 8:29; Ephesians 4:13)
