Looking Up

The other morning, it occurred to me that our vision is focused upward more than any other direction.  We're always searching for someone to imitate, someone to look up to whether we realize it or not.  This "epiphany" came as I observed Grace and Emma Kate sitting on the couch.  Grace was zeroed in on some preschool tv program, but Emma Kate's attention was focused somewhere entirely different.  She was taking in Grace's every move.  I watched her work to get her ankles crossed just right, position her hands around her cup of milk in the same manner, she even took note of the tilt of the head.  Grace had no idea Emma Kate was watching her, taking her in, imitating her, looking up to her.


That's how it is so often in our daily lives.  We're always looking up to someone, and someone's always looking up to us.  You've heard the saying: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  Eyes, both little and big are taking note of our every move and imitating us whether we realize it or not.  Grace has recently begun clearing the table after meals.  For months, side by side, we have completed this routine together.  I've never talked about it with her - clearing the dishes, where to put the uneaten food in each plate, wiping the table, loading the dishwasher - but those little eyes have taken note of every move so that she is now efficient and fluid.  The girls love to hang out with me while I get ready in the mornings.  Little did I know that it wouldn't take long for Emma Kate to be able to give the girl at the Estee Lauder counter a run for her money.  Their little hands move in the same way mine do as I complete these same tasks.  


It reminds me of song lyrics by Casting Crowns: Be careful little feet where you go, for it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow.  It's up to us which kind of role model we want to be.  Choose wisely, for little feet are sure to follow.