MamaArcher's Blog

Following Footprints

When we moved into this house we had to purchase a refrigerator. Now of course it didn’t matter to my husband which refrigerator we bought; guys just do not seem to care about those types of things. I told him I had always wanted a refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom. So that is what we bought. I absolutely love it! Not only is the fridge, the part you utilize the most, on top and more accessible; it reminded me of when I was a small child. There were a few years when I was young that I lived with my grandparents. My grandmother had a refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom. I remember swiping ice cubes for snacks. This has become a scene in my home also. My little ones love to get ice cubes out for a snack, especially my 16 month old. It brings a smile to my face. As crazy as it sounds watching my little ones take ice cubes out of “the freezer on the bottom” lets me reminisce on one of the few good memories of my childhood. It also reminds me that my children will follow my footprints.

Today at lunch, I was sitting with my 3 year eating pizza. Daddy and all of the other children were in the other room. We chatted a bit and after a short silent moment a smile spread across her face. She looked up at me with the sweetest smile and said, “When I grow up, I want to be a mommy just like you.” Is that not enough to melt your heart?? It is also another reminder that my children will follow my footprints.

God provides so many opportunities to remind us that our children are watching us. That they are imitating us. It causes me to evaluate my life. Am I living in a way that I want my children to imitate? How would I react if my children did (my current action)? Would I approve?

I am not the perfect example, if left to myself, I will always fail. God is the one who allows any good to come of my life. If I want any good to come of my children’s lives then I must point them to the Savior. I must imitate the one that I desire them to imitate. I must be like Christ so that they will want to be like Christ.

• 1 Peter 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
• 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

As my children follow in my footprints, these verses express my prayer.

• Job 23:11 My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.
• Psalm 119:133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.