Many of us take ourselves too seriously. We sometimes think that we are better than we really are. We get a nice job, and a good salary, and now we have a swagger about us. We walk into a restaurant, and we think that we own the place. When our drinks are slow in arriving, we are vociferous in our disgust.

This situation reminds me of a story that a friend told me, and I would like to share it with you. As it goes, a man (Showboat) decides to wield his power during dinner at a restaurant with colleagues. He is unhappy that the service is falling short of his expectations.

Showboat: How long ago did we order our drinks?

Colleague: A few minutes ago.

Showboat: Dont these people know that we need our drinks right away? This is ridiculous! Ive been coming to this place for years. Ive given so much money to this restaurant. Im going to call the owner and tell him that he is doing a poor job. You would think that they would know me by now. When I walk in, my martini should be waiting for me.

Colleague: Really he just took the drink order. It is a bit busier tonight. If we give them a couple more minutes, we will have the drinks.

Showboat: A couple minutes a couple minutes a couple minutes no way! Im far too important to wait that long for my drinks. Think about how long it will take to get my food. My time is worth far more to me. The people around here are hourly workers, so they dont care how long it takes. Look at them! They are walking around with stupid smiles on their faces. This is far from funny to me.

Colleague: Well, Randy why dont you cut them some slack. Im sure they will be here soon.

[The drinks arrive, and Showboat is placated for the moment. The waiter takes the food order, and the service is quick. Within 10 minutes, their food is on the table. However, Showboat is unhappy because the butter is missing. He wants it now! He motions for the waiter to come over.]

Showboat: Sir, do you know that the butter is missing?

Waiter: Let me get that for you right away.

[Irritated, Showboat wants to make a point to the waiter.]

Showboat: Sir, I dont think you know who I am! Let me tell you. I own two businesses here in town. I have a membership at an exclusive gold club. I frequently travel to Europe, Asia, and Africa. I own one of the biggest houses in this town. Thats who I am! When I ask for butter, its important that I get it right away!

Waiter: Sir, I dont think you know who I am.

Showboat: You got me there. I dont know who you are.

Waiter: Im the guy in charge of the butter!

Whats the point here? We might own the biggest house, play golf with the rich, and travel the world, but we must avoid getting a big head. When we do, the guy in charge of the butter can quickly deflate our prominence.