National Boss's Day




We’ve all had that influential boss in our lives—or hopefully you will in the future. This kind of boss leads the way, refines your skills, and demonstrates how to get the job done, so you can learn to do it yourself. My first boss was the kind-hearted type that saw me as I was, but also must have seen what I could be eventually.


I’m one who learns through plenty of trial and error, so when it comes to complicated tasks, my boss must have needed extra patience with me. And it wasn’t as if there weren’t new things to keep learning, yet she was there for me, day after day, reviewing, encouraging, and at times doing it herself to make sure it was done correctly.


As I learned and developed skills, she seemed to inspire me to do more—take on more, and be responsible for more. But on many occasions, more than I am probably aware, she took the blame for my mistakes, my costly errors, and my actions that led to situations, that required her to take the shame for me.






When it was time for me to move on, she went from my boss to my mentor. Frequent calls and willing ears listened to my new challenges in a different job. Her advice was always free, and seasoned with the wisdom that comes from having been there and done that. 


I had my second, third, and fourth boss—and yet, my first boss was there to give me the level-headed direction to cope with each new one, and have me see it as an opportunity to learn about my skills, my ability to add to a business, learn how to work as hard as I should be, and then most important—treating customers honorably.






Since my work life began, I’ve cleaned homes, worked in retail, scooped ice-cream, delivered newspapers, and when it was finally time to settle in, I helped start a business. I really count it as a blessing that my first boss showed me the value of hard work and commitment. I wouldn’t have achieved what I did without her influence. 


So, as we celebrate National Boss’s Day, I recognize my first boss, my sister—who taught me so much, led the way, and then pushed me forward when I needed it. Thanks, Sis, you were called upon more than your fair share, with our mom away at school each day and Dad at work. You helped me land my first real job, and never wavered in your support of me. 




National Boss’s Day, which is celebrated every October 16th, began in 1958. It became nationally recognized a few years later.  There are 11 million American bosses—overseeing millions of workers. Over 65% of workers aspire to be a leader in their career—and it’s often the boss that helps them get there. Here’s to honoring our bosses!


And perhaps praying for our bosses in these challenging times. “I urge, then, first of all, requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for those in authority.” 1 Timothy 2:1



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