Little eyes watching

Yesterday was Sunday, a day always looked forward to in our home by everyone. Drakeford is either talking about getting dressed like pastor Ferebee or playing drums like J. C. or guitar (sometimes notes as violin but we are working on that). I love to hear the times when, out of the blue, he describes the whole process of communion and what it means. He asks at the dinner table to do his catechism.
One of the first things I noticed when we first attended this particular fellowship was the behavior the older boys had towards the younger children. You can tell the ones who have younger siblings at home. They are always keeping an eye out for their safety - making sure a little one gets through the door way, picking them up if someone is about to knock them over on accident, or just getting on their level and saying "how are you today? I like your cowboy boots!"
Younger children naturally imitate the older ones, whether good or bad. What a joy is in my heart when my children are not only hearing God's word and seeing mommy and daddy worship God through life and at church, but then to sees others doing the same and is joyful to partake.
During the time of judging in service, a young boy carries a microphone to the person who has a comment/question about the sermon. When we were getting ready for bed, Drakeford puts the tennis ball he was playing with in front of my mouth and says "mommy, I'm the boy. Now say something." So I would and then he would go stand by the wall for a few minutes and come back and repeat.
I got to thinking about behaviors that children imitate and how very blessed we are to be in a community of believers that I am not afraid of him being influenced by - because he obviously is watching everything! Yes we are all sinners! But sin is not celebrated and openly accepted as "adolescent behavior", where bad attitudes go unchecked or justified by a label - teenager, hyper active, strong willed. We all have a specific inclination to sin in different areas. Our job is to identify it and give it to The Lord. To be conformed to His image in all areas of life, at all stages of life.
It is wonderful to come home from church and see my children throughout the week display good habits they picked up like serving others, not bickering attitudes or self centered play.