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When We Think We Are the Boss

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Our three-year-old son declares this almost daily—I Am The Boss! A couple of nights ago during a night tantrum, terror, or whatever you call the insanity, he stood with hands on hips before me with no bottoms (he just peed in them), a Superman t-shirt, and this froggy towel wrapped around him.

He defiantly pointed his finger at me emphatically stating, “I Am The Boss!” Over and over he hurled his declaration at me.

I imagine most of you are laughing about now, but in the moment I found no humor whatsoever. I tried to sit patiently waiting for him to calm down without injuring himself or anyone else in his vicinity.

My emotions swung wildly as I watched this three-foot, 35 pound, froggy caped dictator proclaim his self-determined authority of our household.

Later that morning I met with two friends for coffee. As I with bleary eyes relayed the story, we all laughed at the crazy cuteness coming from my little guy. Sure it was disturbing, especially in the moment, but I laughed as I told them the story like it was a comedy I had watched the night before.

After our good laugh, my friend pondered, “I wonder who God talks to when we point at Him and yell—‘I Am The Boss!'”

What a profound statement!

I wondered out loud, “Maybe that is one reason He is a three-person deity.” God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit can have a good laugh with themselves as they watch and listen to us stand with our hands on our hips telling Him that We are the boss, not Him.

Of course God knows that He is in charge. And eventually we come to the same conclusion, one way or another.

[quote cite=”Proverbs 16:9 ESV”]The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.[/quote]

As absurd and ridiculous it is for my young son to make this statement, it is even more so for me to make the same declaration before God. I know better. Yet I still do the same thing my son does with me.

As I ponder how God feels about my common sense lacking tantrums, I reflect on my thoughts of my son.

“He is not completely sane in this moment.” “He doesn’t know what he is doing.”

Hmm…that second one sounds familiar.

[quote cite=”Luke 23:34 ESV”]Father forgive them for they know not what they do.[/quote]

That really reflects Gods heart even when we our at our worst.

I have to admit while I endured my son’s tirade, I thought how he had no idea what he was saying. I was tempted to just let him have his way. See how good you are at feeding, clothing, and generally taking care of yourself!

Sigh…even though God does respond that way with us at times—

[quote cite=”Psalm 81:12 ESV”]So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.[/quote]

However, overall He exhibits incredible patience and compassion towards us. Makes me think He just might want a relationship with me more than a need to put me in my place.

Ultimately that is what I want with my son. I want us to have a close, well-connected relationship. So, I cut him a lot of slack. Eventually my son changes his demeanor and quietly asks me to hold him. I pick him up and he melts into my arms.

Thank you Father God for not giving me what I deserve when I demand to be the boss of my life. Thank you for waiting for me to softly ask You to hold me.

Who do you think is the “boss of your life?”

About the Author

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I am a longtime Austinite. Married my beautiful wife over 35 years ago. Adopted our son September 2012.
As a small business and nonprofit coach/consultant, I have found my sweet spot. I lean on my varied background of corporate, small business ownership, writing, and pastoring as I work to help small business owners and nonprofit founders build the business they want to have.


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