Just Imagine

By John T. McNeal 

Have you ever had one of those days, when you come home from work, kick off your shoes and you’re so tired that you lack the fortitude or ability to even lean across the couch to turn on the Television. So, you sit there just staring at the wall in front of you. It’s like you’re in an absent minded trance, hoping you can gather your thoughts and strength to get up and start supper or at least pour yourself a cup of coffee.

The next thing you know, your toddler has entered the room wearing nothing but your shoes you just have taken off. Babies learn to crawl, walk, run and then try to imitate our very actions, by following in our footsteps. They do know that streaking away from mom is fun, because that begins the chase. As many parents know, children love to be chased. I have found that as I watch my son grow up, he has a great desire to help. No matter what you’re doing he has to be in the middle of things helping.  

If Julie and I are in cleaning mode, Josiah wants to help. Most of the time, when sweeping he scatters more dirt than he gathers. When it is time to clean the countertops and stove, his task is to clean the French doors. I find his method of cleaning a little unorthodox and unusual. He sprays the windows with the household cleaner and wipes the solution off. That doesn’t sound too unusual right? Well, he does this about four or five times and on the last cleaning he does a final wipe down with his tongue. Praise God we clean with a vinegar and water mixture.   

When my wife begins to wash a load of clothing and Josiah is in his “helpful mode.” It is not unusual to see him dragging his dirty clothes basket down the hall and start loading the washing machine. For a little guy whose head barely can see the top of the machine, he still works to do his part of laundry detail.

Lately, he has been helping me with food prep when I prepare our evening meal. I started him on washing potatoes and the corn cobs. After explaining to him how to do it, I stepped outside to turn on the grill and when I came back in I found more water on the counter top than in the sink, but the task was completed. A part of me was surprised that he didn’t try to take a shower in the sink at the same time.  

As I watch my three and half year old grow up, I can see that he has been following in our footsteps. Both Julie and I try to serve God to the best of our abilities. We show him that working together helps everyone out. We also try to follow Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV) “7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.” I believe he is learning from two great examples.

When was the last time you were a good example to your family, friends or fellow man? If we live out God’s word, then we can be an example to the world. Just imagine what kind of impact it would make if every Christian applied Ephesians 6:7-8 to their place of work, church and home.