I’ve watched The Office probably ten times through over the years. It’s kind of my go-to comfort show. My wife even gifted me the entire box set once, which is basically the modern version of true love.
There’s just something about the awkwardness, the chaos, and Michael Scott’s well-meaning trainwreck leadership that keeps me coming back.
Maybe it’s because some days, my house feels like a deleted scene from The Office—but if the entire cast were kids who argue about yogurt, wake up way too early, and somehow get louder as the day goes on.
I love my kids. Truly. But there are moments where I just stare into the chaos—someone yelling, someone stomping, someone acting like they’re being personally victimized by a slightly uneven scoop of yogurt—and I think to myself:
This is fine. Everything is fine.
Like the dog in the fire meme. Or, honestly, like Michael Scott trying to declare bankruptcy by just shouting, “I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY!”
There are mornings when my son wakes up at the crack of dawn, well before anyone else. Which sounds sweet, right? Except he makes coffee. My coffee. The last of my coffee.
And I’m just standing there in the kitchen with one eye open like, “Why do we even buy groceries?”
Sometimes I watch The Office and laugh at how Michael always tries so hard to be the best boss and ends up being the most chaotic person in the room. And then I realize, I’ve got a little Michael Scott in me. Especially as a dad.
I try to lead my family well. I try to be patient (which doesn't always happen). Say the right things. But sometimes… I forget to pack a water bottle. Or a lunch. Or the snack they needed for school.
And I feel that classic dad shame creeping in.
One job, Andrew. ONE JOB.
But here's the thing: God still shows up in the mess.
Even in the uneven yogurt wars, the forgotten school items, the early morning coffee theft, and the moments where I feel like I blew it as a parent—His grace is still enough.
Psalm 103:13-14 says,
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.”
That verse hits different when you're trying to be the strong, steady parent and instead feel like the one needing a nap and a do-over before 9am.
God knows we’re going to get it wrong sometimes. But He also sees our heart in the middle of it. And that matters.
So if you’re a parent who feels a little like Michael Scott some days—awkward, overwhelmed, and kind of making it up as you go—you’re not alone.
God isn’t asking for perfect. He’s asking us to keep showing up, keep loving our kids, and keep trusting Him to fill in the gaps.
And hey, maybe one day our kids will look back and say,
“You weren’t perfect… but you were present. And that mattered.”
Until then, we keep loving like Jesus, laughing through the chaos, hiding the good coffee, and maybe rewatching an episode or two of The Office just to feel better about our own parenting fails.
