I’ve had the privilege over the last few weeks to spend some extra time with several of my grandchildren.  Kristen’s prescribed bed rest has given me extra opportunities to take little Micah along as my assistant during some days. Also, Melissa and Kevin were traveling and I watched their three on Sunday afternoon and evening.  I am amazed as I watch and am reminded how much children take in from what they see and hear around them.  They absorb the words, faith, attitudes, purposes and values they see portrayed.  They listen to and imitate what they see with incredible perception and accuracy.  I am particularly reminded of two scriptures that teach this axiom.

Luke 6:40

    A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Philip. 4:8-9

    Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. [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.

We learn best from what we see modeled and communicated from one heart to another. I love watching my grown children parent.  I am so proud of them and the ways they are training their children.  Earlier this week I received this picture from Melissa with the following text: 

Melissa to me:  Lexi to me with my shoes and book.  “Bye mom.  I’m going to a bible study.  I gotta preach bout Jesus”.

This was a reminder to me that someone is always watching us.   I am also grateful that I can continue to learn from watching others who have strengths that I wish to emulate.  I remember a scripture in Deuteronomy 6 that we strove to put into practice when our children were young.

Deut. 6:4-7

    Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [5] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. [6] These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. [7] Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Of all the things I remember about my parents, the thing that stands out the most is that they loved God with all their heart and soul and strength.  Whatever is first in our life is clear to our children.  Our words, actions, compassion, faith, attitudes and purposes will shine through…one way or another. May today and each day be a day where we are alert to learning and teaching in ways pleasing to God.