Aside from being Papa to my grandsons, one of the most satisfying pleasures in my life is watching my son be a good daddy. It is both gratifying, and reassuring, to see that my son is as invested in being a daddy as I tried to be when he was young.
When my son was little, I would be pleasantly surprised and delighted when I would discover some small essence of myself in his manner or demeanor. It was wonderful to see my son laughing, talking or acting like me. Now I find myself watching my grandsons, and noticing little nuances of my son. Sometimes it is a very subtle look or action. Other times it is a very deliberate performance.
One morning after his daddy had left for work, my grandson came into the kitchen carrying an old gift box with a plastic handle. To his eyes, it must have looked a lot like his daddy’s briefcase. He announced to Mommy, “See ya later. I go to work.” Mommy played along.
“Bye bye. Be home in time for dinner.”
“Okay, Mommy,”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Then he jumped into his little push car, and “drove” off across the kitchen. Just like his daddy.
As Christians, we have been told to be imitators of Christ in everything we do. Why should we do this? We do this because we are His dear children. We accomplish this by living a life that follows the examples Christ set for us while he taught and walked among us. Our first efforts may be little more than mimicry, but with time and practice, these early lessons become the foundation for the person Christ wants each of us to become.
Reflection –
My grandsons have a wonderful example to imitate in their loving, devoted, hard-working father. As they have grown older, we have taught them that these, and other qualities are gifts from the Creator. These qualities represent God’s partnership in helping my son, their father, be a good man and daddy. As my grandsons follow their father’s example, they are beginning to learn about the Son.
“Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2
Written by Rich Silveira
Teacher – 5th grade, and one of our resident grandpas at NorthCreek Academy