My mother used the phrase “monkey see, monkey do” any time she thought I was just doing what others were doing and not what I should do. And, she was probably right every time (I keep telling you I am a mess!). As a child and youth, I wanted so badly to be accepted, I did whatever I could to fit in.
Interestingly enough, “monkey see, monkey do” is exactly what I should be doing every day. So, there mom, I was right after all. Well, no not exactly. It kinda depends on who it is your are mimicking. Who your “monkey” is so to speak. And it turns out, the New Testament even talks about this. Hey, maybe I am not such a mess after all.
In the Gospel of John (Chapter 5) it talks about the Son only doing what he is led to do by the Father. It goes on to say that the Son watches the Father closely and then does what the Father does. Then an even more interesting response, the Father, knowing this, hides nothing from the Son. It turns out it is not what would Jesus do, but what has the Father already done.
Now think of this flow, I do what the Eternal leads me to do. How do I know what that is? By watching what the Eternal does in the world. Then, I do what I see being done and the more I watch and do, the more the Eternal reveals to me, holding nothing back, because the Eternal loves me deeply. It turns out that if I mimic (ape, to keep with my mom’s saying) the Eternal, I behave as his firstborn Son did and I become the Living Word. I always wanted to fit in, now I know which “crowd” to follow.
We are all called to the Eternal. We are filled with the warm shining spark of the Eternal. If we will watch, if we will look, all that we need to do and know will be revealed to us. It is everywhere around us, nature, co-workers, grand babies, loving daughters (even ones who think you are a mess) and the only prayer we need is “open my eyes that I may see.” And then, “monkey see, monkey do”. Now, how’s that for Monkey Business????
Thanks Mom.
TMM
TMM