Imitators.

If you watch any child long enough, you will see them imitating their parents. I can remember being small and getting into my mom's makeup or walking around in her high heels. Or packing my lunch box and books and inviting my dad into my "studio" that happened to be under the dining room table. One of my sisters used to put shaving cream on her face and use a capped razor to "shave" right alongside daddy! (I'll leave it up to you to guess which sister that was…)

Zambian children are no different. They may not walk around with high heels and briefcases, in their own fascinating way they mimic their parents in activities that are unique to their culture. 

With Wezious and Praise around, there is endless amusement of this kind. Every Zambian mother uses a chitenge to carry her baby on her back, and I often see Wezious running around the yard with a stuffed animal or doll tied to hers. At one year old, even Praise does the same thing if she can get someone to help her tie the chitenge. My other favorite sight is Wezious furiously stirring a little cup of dirt. "What are you doing?" I ask her. "Making nshima," (Zambia's staple food) she says very seriously. 

It's a beautiful thing to see a child imitate her parents.

It's a reflection of their adoration and affection and pure love for one they trust. 

Maybe you had a different childhood experience. Maybe you resist patterning yourself after your parents. But like it or not, and aware of it or not, we all imitate someone. As believers, we all have a Father who loves us perfectly and unconditionally, even where earthly parents fall short. 

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…" Ephesians 5:1-2a

Oh, to love the Father in such a way that I spend every day gazing up into His face, walking in his shoes, carrying his children on my back, endeavoring to be found bearing an ever-increasing resemblance to him!