A
recent commercial illustrated the fact that different hats can be an identifying
clue about the country of which they have become a symbol. For instance, a
sombrero is for Mexico; the fur hat for Russia; the beret for France, etc.
We
all wear different "hats" in our daily life. One at home, another at
work, a different one at church and with our community. Some of us wear several
different "hats" in one or more of these places, which signify the
jobs and ministries and roles, which we agreed to take on.
Each
"hat" requires that we use different talents, abilities, discernment,
and skills to meet the demands, obligations and requirements of the tasks that
we willingly agreed to fulfill. At times, we even change our personality or
identity, in order to successfully navigate unchartered waters that we
encounter.
Sometimes,
we change the appearance of the "hats" we are wearing. We add "rhinestones",
or "turn up the edges", or pin "fake flowers to the brim", or
even "get it a little bit dirty" so that it will appear well-worn and
part of a long history with us.
As
mother, father, neighbor, friend, teacher's assistant, grandparent, mechanic,
pastor, professor, childcare worker, nursing home attendant, etc. there are
many requirements on our schedule, energy, and creativity, as well as a
financial, mental and emotional investment in each role that we assume.
There
are many inner motives in our soul for taking on so many roles at one time. One
is notoriety and praise. Another is a calling to serve others. Regardless of
our intentions, wearing so many hats often requires us to stop caring for our
self, because we run out of time and energy.
We
end up "burning out", since we lit the candle of our life from both
ends. The only sane way to resolve this issue is to consult the Lord prior to
agreeing to accept any and all responsibilities (Proverbs 3:5-6). This prevents
us from burning out.
Then,
once we follow His leading, we pray without ceasing all through each day, in
order to gain His moment-by-moment game plan that is guaranteed to succeed. We
even have time to care for our own needs. After all, we are a person too, and
we can minister to our self, as well as to others.
Prayer:
Father
God, You have perfect designs for our life, and we only truly succeed when we
follow Your will for us (Ephesians 2:10). As fallen, finite human beings, we
are limited in our human resources, wisdom, abilities and strength. However, Your
Word assures us that we can do everything that You call us to accomplish with
Your strength and wisdom, which abides within us through Christ in us
(Colossians 1:27; Galatians 2:20).
Thank
You for sending Jesus to trade His righteousness for the penalty of our sins.
He regenerates, renews and redeems us by His life and death. This occurs through
His name and by His blood. We live for Your purpose for us now and throughout
eternity (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Remind us that we can never produce the lasting
results through our own efforts, which we could accomplish by relying on Christ
in us. We glorify You with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew
22:37).
Thought
for the Day:
Jesus
gave up His royal crown to wear a crown of thorns for each and every one of us;
so that He can offer, as co-heir with us of the Kingdom of God, to share with
us all that God gave Him in return.
