So Many Hats
How do you define yourself? Try our study, “What’s in Your Bag?” to get a new view of the woman in the mirror.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well….All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:14, 16)
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
How many hats have you worn in the past week? You may have picked up a “nurse’s cap” as you cared for an aging parent or a family member who’s ill. Many of us wear a “chef’s cap” as we attempt to provide nutritious meals for those we love. Some days “short-order cook” might be more accurate! Chauffeur, counselor, teacher, project manager, accountant, activity director – all are common roles within our homes.
We wear hats outside of our homes as well. You may also have a career, a ministry, a role within your neighborhood or community. Our lives are busy, our relationships complex, and with each change of hat we have a new set of expectations to fit the role. Soon we can find ourselves driven by the competing expectations of others. We find ourselves under stress.
How is a woman to wear so many hats? One secret is found when we each learn how God made us. We’re not all to be gourmet chefs; not all are gifted musicians; not all are able to coordinate events for dozens of women on a shoestring budget. God has given each of us talents and abilities to use in His service. He’s also given us areas where we can learn to depend on others for their expertise. God has not called me to be you, nor has He called you to walk in my shoes.
As we learn contentment in His plan for our lives, we may find courage to remove a few ill-fitting hats. We may also find a new freedom to invest ourselves more fully in areas of our own giftedness. This brings honor to God, as we align our activities with who He made us to be. It also benefits those around us.
Lord, You are the One who designed me. You know how I’m wired and have a good plan for my life. Help me to live in accordance with Your design. Guide me as I evaluate competing expectations and priorities today, and help me honor You with the choices I make. Amen.
Question: Do you find it hard to say no? How do you keep from getting overwhelmed?
4 Responses to “So Many Hats”
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What a fun idea, Jan!I pray that the outreach is used by God to touch the hearts and lives of those attending.
thanks folr this devotional. we are having a women’s outreach prog “hats off to women”, here in traverse city mi. i’m going to assemble different hats to go w/your devotional. it should be fun. thanks again jan
I love this! When I start comparing myself to others, I try to remind myself that God has gifted me with gifts and abilities that are different from what he’s given others. In learning to say, “no,” a very wise person once told me that when you say “no,” it gives someone else the opportunity to say “yes!” I have shared that with others over the years, and several have told me that it freed them of the guilt. When we say yes to everything, then we are not always using the gifts and talents that God gave us in areas where we are best suited.
I love this devotional, Winsome, and I especially appreciate how you expressed that “God has not called me to be you, nor has He called you to walk in my shoes.” This is so vital to those of us ~ including myself ~ who have been people-pleasers, and are learning to grow into the unique and precious creations that the Lord made us to be. Truly, God loves and accepts me right where I am today, and He wants me to offer myself as a living sacrifice to Him, not a copy of someone I think I should be! God cherishes me and each one of us for who we are and the special people He made us to be! Let us live abundantly and freely, joyfully being who we truly are as we study His Word and discern who we really are in Him! God bless you for this, Winsome! I have truly been blessed today by your gift!