I recently told The Lord I wanted to be just like Him, and asked Him for His help in doing so. He’s a good, good Father, so as we chatted, rather than showing me where I’d fallen short of reflecting His glory, He allowed me to recall ways I’ve already been “behaving well”. In my unexpectedly joyful review, He brought to mind several people that I’d like to, “be just like when I grow up.” I thanked Him for so many lovely women in my life, all spurring me on to faith and good works.

A couple things:

I LOVE that when I feel like I’m not doing well enough, expecting in my human-ness a (mild) chastising from my Father, He shows me His mercy and grace instead. It demonstrates His character. He demands mercy, not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6, Matthew 9:13), and when He shows US His mercy, He’s literally showing us how to live like Him. He’s leading us by loving by example.

I also LOVE that while He and His word is enough to direct us, in His love and abundance He also encourages us through the people around us. He tells us in His Word and then He demonstrates with His people.

Be encouraged today. His grace is sufficient. Always. Allow His Spirit and the Spirit-filled people you choose to surround yourself with direct you. If the people around you lack the ability to encourage in this season, be the change you’d like to see, best you can. It’s enough. Simply love as He loves, be an imitator of Christ, and know that your best is enough. He sees you trying to imitate Him…and He loves it. Know why?

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And Our God is worth all the authentic flattery (PRAISE) this world has to offer.