I'm wrong, and that's OK

The other day in the car Joseph was talking away. Our conversation went like this,

Joseph: "Mama do you think it's cold outside?"
Me: "Yes, I do, it's a bit chilly today don't you think?"
Joseph: "No it's hot."
Me: "Oh okay."
Joseph: "Mama do you think there are alligators in that creek?"
Me: "No, it's too cold here for alligators?"
Joseph: "I think they are here."
Me: "Oh, well I've never seen one."
Joseph: "Oh they are here"
Me: "Oh okay."
Joseph: "Do you think our dog Taylor is dead."
Me: "Yes honey, remember Daddy buried him."
Joseph: "Well, I don't think he is, I think he will come home soon"
Me: "OK baby, whatever you say"
Joseph: "Is your hair purple."
Me: "No baby, it's brown."
Joseph: "I don't think so, it's purple."

The last question is a joke, but the point is he just wanted to be right and me to be wrong, or maybe he just wanted to know something I didn't. Or possibly he just wanted to feel like he could teach me a little something. Everything I said was wrong, or debated, or corrected. I could have gotten defensive, and at times like this I have thought to myself, "Why is he asking if he doesn't care what I am saying or really wants to take my answer into consideration." Then, I remember he's three, it's not about me, it's about him and what he's going through. Jacob, his older brother corrects him all the time. Maybe he just wants someone to tell how it is, and as long as he's not being disrespectful I'm fine with that. I've learned to laugh at and sometimes even enjoy the conversations where Joseph basically convinces himself that he knows more about animals, outer space and planets, weather, etc. He just wants to feel important.

However, if he starts thinking he knows better "rules" than Mommy, watch out cause I'm the boss. The boss statement doesn't always work, as one time Jacob pointed out to Clayton and I one time, "Mommy is the boss of us, but Daddy is Mommy's boss?" Using a little marital wisdom, Clayton responded to this question, "No Jacob Mommy is the boss of me too because if Mama isn't happy, ain't nobody happy!" To which I added sasily, "That's right." Then, Jacob added, "But Jesus is the Boss of Daddy, and God is the Boss of Jesus. Right?" For a little mind, he almost hit the nail on the head. I take so much pleasure in these awesome kids- what a gift!!! Thank you Lord.