The Last Word

AAAARRRGGGHHH!

OK. I just needed to get that out. Thank you.

Well, on second thought, maybe there's more I need to get out.
I have just about had it with teenage attitude and immaturity around here!
See, a certain teenage son of mine (the one with more experience being a teen *ahem*) seems to think he's so wise and clever that he can't keep his mouth from making "smart" comments. And every time we get into a disagreement about anything, he won't stop. That is, when I say something - intending to end the conversation - he has to make a rebuttal. Usually of the sarcastic nature.
And it drives me nuts!
So, last week we were in the midst of another disagreement (Over what? I cannot even remember.) and this experienced teen of mine was going on with his usual smart-alec comments and I-must-have-the-last-word-on-the-matter tirade. And as I sat on the couch trying to have the last word, myself, I found myself thinking, I cannot let him have the last word. If I do, he'll think he's right. He'll think he's out-smarted me, or that I am giving in and crowning him the winner of this argument. No! I must not let this child have the final say. I need to keep responding to his responses to prove to him that I AM RIGHT!
Because, honestly, I was right. I mean, I'm the adult here. I know more than my teenage son. Right?
For a moment I really did feel like I needed to keep going for the last word. Because I didn't want my son thinking he was going to have it. I didn't want him to think that by me staying quiet, I was indicating that I was giving in to his argument. Oh! What chaos would reign in this home if that boy began to think he was running the show.
Besides, I just didn't like the idea of him thinking he was right and I was wrong. And I found myself thinking again, I must not let this child have the final say. I need to keep responding to his responses to prove to him that I AM RIGHT!
Which is just about the moment God's Spirit convicted mine. I took a deep breath, bit my tongue, held my words and realized, I have just about had it with teenage attitude and immaturity around here!

Yep. His and mine.

Gracious Father, please help me out-grow my immaturity!