The Right Hat!

Whatever proverbial "hat" we are wearing at any given time may depend on that which we are doing. Some who wear the "hat" of a student at one time may put on the "hat" of an employee at other moments. One who dons the "hat" of a business executive may also wear the "hat" of a parent. Some, due to their involvement in many things may wear many different "hats" in their community.

The changing of "hats" may be something done back and forth in a matter of minutes. Recently while providing some musical entertainment at an assisted living complex in our community, after playing some violin, harmonica, and singing with the guitar, I told those listening I was going to "change hats" for a moment. Reaching down I picked up an old floppy hat which my daughter used to call my "do something stupid" hat. The next few songs of my repertoire were goofy songs, which was a change from the more serious music I had been performing and so a literal changing of hats was appropriate.

Another concept relating to a proverbial "hat" is one associated with decision making. People sometimes talk about pulling ideas out of a hat. Perhaps this is what one might call "brain storming" and putting all those ideas on the table to then make a choice of what seems best. Someone has said, "If you're going to pull decisions out of a hat, be sure you are wearing the right hat." [source: "1600 Squibs And Quips", compiled by E.C. McKenzie] Maybe one of you is thinking that had better not be my "do something stupid" hat. That would be a right conclusion. But how about the politician's "hat"? Or what about the philosopher's "hat"? Or what about the many "hats" the world holds out from which to pick? Sometimes even when we think we know what kind of concepts we might pull out of those hats, we can still often be surprised.

Remember James' exhortation when he stated. . .
"(13) Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the MEEKNESS OF WISDOM. (14) But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. (15) This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. (16) For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. (17) But THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." ( James 3:13-17 ESV)

If we a going to pull decisions out of a "hat", let it be GOD'S HAT! His thoughts and ways are much higher than ours (note Isaiah 55:8-9), making HIS WISDOM the only consistent and time tested standard on which to rely. Choices based on HIS WISDOM will always be good choices.

Have a great day DRAWING LIFE WISDOM FROM ABOVE!
Carl

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