“Thanks, boss!” I said that to a restaurant worker recently who helped me with my dishes. I say that to a lot of people. I find it a term of endearment. Surprisingly, this worker, who happened to be overweight, said, “You know, that’s the second time today someone’s called me that. Nobody calls skinny people ‘boss.’ I don’t appreciate it.” I was stunned. Speechless. And, if you know me, making me speechless is quite an accomplishment. I genuinely felt bad for this guy. It seems to me, like many people today, he’s walking around just waiting to be offended. Hilariously, two days later, I was at another establishment and the worker called me boss. Are you a walking time bomb? You’re just itching for someone to bring up the national debt, politics, masks, sports mascots, or theology? Proverbs 19:11 says it is a man’s “…glory to overlook an offense.” Dad, your family will follow your lead. If you’re always getting “triggered,” that might say more about you than those you’re around.

To be a leader at home, you have to be a follower of Jesus. Spending time in Scripture allows God’s Word to mold you into a godly leader (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) and will show you how to start your kids off on the right path (Proverbs 22:6).

Feeling guilty about not doing enough as a dad? I was with a pastor friend who lamented how “unintentional” he was with his kids. He explained, “I’m not doing enough Bible studies with them.” In one sense, he should be commended (more Bible = better). But, in another, he was overlooking the daily intentional moments he was excelling at.

“Contentment is the only real wealth.” – Alfred Nobel

“My main job is to live with deep contentment, joy, and confidence in my everyday experience of life with God. Everything else is job number two.” – John Ortberg

“Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.” – Benjamin Franklin

'Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.' – Bruce Lee Share on Twitter

Overlook an offense. This week, at least once, just overlook an offense. That less-than-ideal comment your wife makes (I’ve never experienced this personally, just heard stories), the jab your boss throws at you, the rude waiter… The moment you think, “What!? Who in the world…” just stop. Pause. Agree that you’ll just overlook it. Move on. I think you’ll like the results you get, both in your relationship and in your own heart. Let me know how that works for you, boss.

Make it a great week,

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.