Is your life worth imitating?

If you notice in this picture, one cup is not like the others.  One has a lid on it and a straw in it.  That would be my wife’s cup. 

My cup, the big pappa bear sized cup, does not have a lid, because I do not like to have a lid on anything.  Mainly because my Mom taught me how to chew ice, so I like to drink soda and chew the ice.  There is also something about Culver’s Root Beer that can not be experienced through a lid and a straw.  Root Beer must be experienced with all your senses.  It has a certain aroma and the head tickles your nose when you take the first drink – if you do it correctly!  The same is true with a good latte…it must be experienced.  I think Erwin McManus has a sermon about this that I heard once, so I didn’t come up with it.  But, it’s true. 

Now, here’s the thing….my boys, Jack and Ben, have already begun to be like dad in this regard.  They love to drink drinks without lids.  They love to chew ice.  They love Culver’s root beer and I’m convinced they “get” that it must be experienced in this way! 

Already, they have frustrated my wife and some of our friends, because they typically spill their drinks.  They have not developed the proper motor skills to handle cups without lids (neither has dad), but Dad is Great, he gives us the chocolate cake!  I let’em do it anyway… Raise a child in the way he should go and all.

When I saw this scene, I laughed, because I realized I have disciples.  And after being at the 3dm Discipleship and Mission workshop last week, the reality that “You are making disciples, whether you acknowledge it or not” kind of hit me while we were her in Culver’s.

My boys were laughing as they watched me snap the picture.  And, of course, I had to explain what I was doing and that they were “My disciples.”  Which, THEY LOVE!  They love being my disciples.  And, they totally get what disciples are, by the way…

Point in case….later on Sunday, my wife, who is 7 months pregnant was taking a nap and my youngest son Benjamin came in.  He was snuggling with her and started hugging her belly and talking to the baby. 

“Hey baby, this is Ben.  I can’t wait to meet you!”  He says. 

Emily was telling Benjamin how she thinks he will have a special relationship with our new little boy and how they will be buddies and the new little guy will follow Ben around.

Ben says, “Yeah, I know…

He’s gonna be my disciple!”

IS YOUR LIFE WORTH IMITATING?

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