Copy Cai

So, I have been teaching my little nephew, Micaiah, some new things I am sure his mother is so very grateful for.

I taught him how to smack his forehead and say, "Doh!" ... everyone needs a little Homer...

I taught him how to do squinty-eyes and wide-eyes. (Oh man... It's hi-larious!)

I taught him how to master the the 'Cheers!' and the 'clink!' that comes after it. (I think his mom started that one....)

And best of all... I am teaching him how to feed my dog. Everyday, I go over to the baker's cart and pull Hilda's bowl out with my foot. (Who wants to touch a slimy dog bowl? Not me!) Then I get the cup and pour the food in the bowl. I say 'ok' and Hilda comes to eat. Then, when she is done, I push the bowl back under the cart and wash my hands.

Oh Micaiah.... he is sooooo funny!
The other day I asked him if he wanted to feed Hilda.
He went over to the cart, stuck his little foot under the cart,
and pulled out her bowl....with his foot.
Then he walked over to the bag and waited for me to give
him the food, took it to her dish and poured it in. (We are still
working on putting the cup back but... it's coming) When she is done,
he pushes the bowl back under the cart and goes to the
sink with me to wash his hands.
He is so advanced!

You know... I never told him to get the bowl out with his foot.
I never told him to push the bowl back under.
He just did it.
Because he saw me do it.
I absolutely love that....and I'm terrified of it at the same time.

He learns so fast! What an influence I am for this little life!

In his short little life so far, he has had to learn EVERYTHING! Walking, talking (soon), how to pick something up, what not to touch, how to dance (even though he is totally BFABB! ... born from a boom box!), how to use a spoon, what no means, what 'I love you' means, what food he likes and dislikes, what a dog is, how to ask for more.... I think you get the picture. But have you thought about babies before like that? They are like an empty canvass waiting to have a colorful and vibrant life.

And I influence that.

Do I give him bright colors for his canvass? What if I splash grey hues his way? When he watches me, what does he see and paint in that growing mind? What an awesome responsibility I have.
It makes me think, and rethink about everything I do. It makes me think about how, just like Cai is copying the tiny details like moving the dog bowl with his foot---that is how I should be copying Jesus. Down to the last detail.

Lord, I pray that I would be an example for my nephews that makes you proud. I pray that they would imitate me as I strive to imitate you. May my life reflect you so that when my nephews do what I do....they do what YOU do.

Shadows

Did you ever stop and think about a shadow?

Think about it. A shadow can be a protection. We stand in the shadows in the hot summer to avoid the oppressive sun and heat. A shadow can help lead the way and show where to step next. A shadow can hide you so that you aren't seen as well.

________________________________

As kids, being the oldest child in our family, I was usually the one to be "First". First to walk, first to go to school, first to drive, first to graduate, first to go to college... you know, typical older sibling stuff. By nature I am independent and proud of it. :)

For the past 15 years I have lived at least 4 hours from my nearest family member. But, I was the first to move out, the first to make it on my own, the first to begin my career.

Now I have moved to Florida.

It's exciting! I have a new job and I will be living with my sister and then, when my house sells, I will rent some where close by. I am soooooo very excited to be here! My new job is becoming more and more exciting as I learn about my roles and responsibilities. It brings new challenges, new possibilities, and new people. I am so excited.

So, in all this change, I think about how I have lived my life. I think about growing up and remember how my siblings lived in the shadow I cast. Because I did something right, my parents were more apt to trust them. Because I messed up, they didn't make the same mistake on the rest. Well, since moving down here I feel a little like roles have changed. My sister, who I feel like lived somewhat in my shadow because of our family placement and how independent I have always been.... now seems to be the one casting the shadow on me.

It's a new place for me. It's a good place for me.

I am being welcomed into a community where instead of leading the way like I usually do---my sister already has established deep, meaningful, Godly relationships. She has a strong connection of friends. She has husband and son who are amazing. She has a job that, may just be the coolest job ever. She is the one who is settled here and lives here. I am the newbie. I see that I am now living, somewhat in her shadow. It is kinda cool!

I still sometimes view Amanda (and Krista and Grant) as my little sisters and brother. I know they are old and all grown up (smile!) but I still like to think I helped motivate them, encouraged them and blazed a trail, however minute, for them. I cast a shadow for them.

I guess, as I think about it, among my siblings, I may have been a shadow caster for them. But in life, Oh how I have lived in the shadows of so many!

I have taught with amazing teachers over the years who have cast shadows.

I have worked with dedicated co-workers who have cast shadows.

I have served with gracious brothers and sisters in Christ who have cast shadows.

I have done life with incredible friends who have cast shadows.

I went to school with visionary classmates who have cast shadows.

I was raised with God-honoring parents who cast shadows.

I have loving siblings who have cast shadows.

My prayer for you is that in your life, you have had, and still have those who cast shadows for you. Shadows that encourage, protect and enable you to live a full life.

Oh where to start.....?!?!

After "The Great Hiatus"... I am back!

I have moved, settled in and started my job last week. I am learning so much about my family, my friends, my job, my God and myself.

When we leave college, we expect things to be new. We expect to meet with new everything. After being a career that I loved for so long, experiencing that again seems weird. I feel like I should be up drinking Mountain Dew until 4 in the morning and studying for exams! I feel 21 again!! ...correction. My MIND feels 21 but my body.... doesn't. :)

I have loved these last few weeks getting to know my sister and bro-in-law better. I have LOVED hanging out with my sweet nephew...even when he's not sweet. (that includes behavior AND diaper) I have enjoyed stretching myself beyond what I have come to know as comfortable.

It's good.

I have so many thoughts about these last weeks. I think I will not put them all in one post but will share snip-its and glimpses of what goes on in the attic I call my brain. I hope you enjoy!!