Mr. Know-it-All

When our son was four years old, we bought him a shirt that read, "Mr. Know-It-All." He didn't get the joke. I still remember chuckling at his self-satisfied reflection in the mirror when I told him what the shirt said. "At last," he seemed to be thinking, "the recognition I deserve." Kindergarten may have tempered his know-it-all notions a little, but by the middle of first grade, he was trying to convince me to let him quit school because he "had already learned everything" he "needed to know." After all, he argued, he had learned how to read, write, and do math, what else could there be?

As he's gotten older, the particulars of our debates may have changed, but his steadfast dedication to his own point of view and propensity for passionately arguing his case have remained constant. I don't expect it will change as he enters his teenage years. As long as he states his opinions and objections respectfully, I welcome the opportunity to talk things through with him and lovingly teach him that he does not, in fact, know everything.  

In spite of the resulting friction and frustration, I try to be patient with Zack because I understand, that for all the wisdom of his 10+ years, he's still maturing. At times, his impassioned declarations and protestations border on the comically charming, and I can't help but smile and think,  "My silly boy, if you only knew how much you do not know."

I suspect I frequently elicit a similar response from my heavenly Father for the same reasons. When faced with difficulties or challenges, I am apt to apply a mere 40+ years of life experience to His eternal plan. I often draw conclusions and form opinions based on my limited understanding of a situation, and I am quick to register complaints, objections, and suggestions based on my narrow view of God's vast canvas.

As with my son, my tendency to cling to my own wisdom points to my need for growth. Thankfully, my Heavenly Father is loving and patient. Though it is natural to wrestle with disappointment and confusion when things don't turn out the way I think they should, I am wisest when I humbly acknowledge I don't know everything, and trust in the One who does.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." -Proverbs 3:5