I have six bosses. They are part-time, and some are small, but they play nicely with one another. To be fair, boss is a weighty word for what is actually a friendly agreement. Still, they are the ones who have asked me to perform certain duties, and are invested in them going well.
 

But most of those bosses and I are rarely in the same room. This is a testament to their trust, and the presence of other ways to be in touch. 

 

The other day, one of those jobs was niggling me. I still enjoy it, but there were points of friction that I wondered about. I silently sent up a wish, not as fervent as a prayer, that I could talk with that boss. 

 

Not an hour later, I saw him at my favorite café. I smiled, and walked over to his table.

 

After expressing my concerns, he articulated the priorities, He reassured me about what I could let go of. 

 

I find that kind of serendipity to be exactly what keeps me going. 

 

Many years ago, John was anxious about an upcoming visit from the bishop. There was turmoil in the congregation, and John was worried about how it would play out. I mentioned to a friend that his boss was coming. 

 

"You mean God?" she asked. 

 

I was startled. Yes, of course, God is the actual Boss, regardless of how a particular annual review ends up. My nervousness about the upcoming interactions subsided. What is more, the conversation has stayed with me these thirty years.