I saw an ad for an updated movie of “The Jungle Book.” I have never read the book nor seen any of the movies. But, I had an album (that’s a little like a CD for those of you born in the modern era!) of the 1967 movie.

It’s a little odd to have a recording of songs from a movie that you have never seen. But, the album was a Christmas gift from my older brother. And, I really only listened to one song from the track. Can you guess what that song was?

I’m not sure how it started. I must have heard the chorus and started singing it around the house. However it started, it resulted in me opening the album on Christmas morning. Since then, I have smiled whenever I have heard the song. But, I never learned the lyrics of the song and I don’t even know what the song is about. It wasn’t until today that I learned the entire name of the song – “I Wan’na Be Like You – The Monkey Song.”

Do you remember the chorus?

“Ooh-bi-doo, I wan’na be like you. I want to walk like you, talk like you, too. You see it’s true, an ape like me. Can learn to be like you, too.”

Here’s the crazy thing. Until just a few minutes ago, I would have told you that the words of the chorus were: “Ooh, I wan’na be like you. Walk like you, talk like you. I wan’na be like you.”

Are you surprised? You shouldn’t be. I have always admired (and copied) my four siblings. While growing up, I wanted to be like my older brother, my older sister, my younger sister and my younger brother. And, that song captured my attention because I did (and still do!) “wan’na be like” them. They are amazing people.

I doubt that my older brother (or anyone else) understood how much those silly words described what was in my heart.

The morale of today’s little story? Someone wants to be like you!! You might be surprised the impact you are having on the lives of others. Stand up straight. Watch your words. Keep the faith. There are little eyes watching and adoring you!

“…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16b)

When I was working for pay (compared to now when I work more hours than ever and don’t get paid), the Friday after Thanksgiving was my “clean the office” day. I know that those who worked closely with me hated the Monday that followed. There were so many projects that I had finally completed or documents with questions that my out-box was insufficient; several cardboard boxes were required to contain all of the outgoing items.

So on this Friday after Thanksgiving, when I have no office, I found myself going to the various files of my email and purging items that were no longer necessary. Often, the subject line did not provide enough information for me to push the “delete” key and I ended up reading the email trail. As I read email after email, I was reminded how much had been done this year, how many blessings had been received and how many challenges had been completed. It was an astounding year.

• Prayer requests made one week had been answered the week following.
• He lived his first year here on earth; something that we were not sure would happen last year at this time.
• She is committed to church in spite of pressures for her to give up.
• He is employed.
• She is on a new medication that is helping her with those roller coaster emotions.
• They are still together.
• He is alone and making it.
• Her heart surgery was a success.
• They are doing OK in spite of under employment and financial hardships.
• He got his license to go into a new career.
• We lost her, but the family is making it day by day.
• Bills were paid.

Before New Year’s Eve, take a minute and consider what 2015 brought your way. If you are like me, you will find yourself writing some emails of encouragement and notes of condolence.  And you may even find yourself singing songs of praise.

We are not promised tomorrow, but we have today, this moment.  Last year at this time, I would never have imagined being where I am today.  And, my emails tell a tale that makes me marvel.

Clean out your old files, you may find a pattern of blessings that you have not yet noticed.

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

“As for you, my brothers, never tire of doing what is right.”  I Thessalonians 3:13