'Who has the hammer?'

Earlier this year, I happened to be leading the opening prayer for the State Assembly.

On the last day of the week, I brought my soon-to-be 5-year-old granddaughter. The Sergeant-at-Arms got a special chair just for her so she could sit up front with me and look out over the whole chamber.

Nearing the start of the floor session, the speaker mounted the podium. I introduced her to my granddaughter and then whispered to my little one that this lady was the boss of the Assembly and was in charge. "Yeah, I know," she said, pointing to the gavel on the lectern, "I saw her hammer."

I don't know where she learned that the one who has the hammer is in charge, but I guess it's good to know. It causes me to ask, "Who holds the hammer of authority and control in my life? Who is the boss?"

For a long time, I thought that I was in charge. Sure, I made some decisions and chose some actions, but I messed them up a lot too. Although I still struggle with it, I have relinquished control. I am not the boss!

"I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." (Jeremiah 10:23)

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18)

• Bruce Henderson is pastor of the Airport Road Church of Christ in Carson City.