“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”
— James 1:5
Every fall, my family performs a thorough review of our belongings to make sure we do not keep unnecessary items. We take this opportunity to give to families around us who have greater need for some of our items.
Once, when opening some plastic storage bins, I was surprised to discover that I had a large baseball cap collection. I wondered, “Do I need ten baseball caps while only one would suffice?” This discovery led me to think of the variety of responsibilities that we all have in our lives.
Many of us wear multiple hats. Soldiers wear a military beret to work, which is a duty and responsibility. However, while going for a leisurely bicycle ride with the family, a soldier wears a helmet for safety. There are some who use one cap to go fishing and a different one to go hunting. Each hat represents a specific role, as every aspect of our life comes with its own set of responsibilities for which we need wisdom, whether you are a parent or child, an employer or employee, or a teacher or student.
Some hats can be removed, and some can’t. The important thing is to discern which hat is the best fit for us in the circumstances that we are facing each day.
Many of us have difficulties in choosing the right hat for the right occasion because our perception of events is sometimes wrong. That is why we need the help and influence of our infallible God to give wisdom. The Bible says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).
REFLECTION
1. It is one thing to trust God for the big decisions of life. Will you also seek His wisdom for the mundane responsibilities that your role brings to you each day?
2. Identify a responsibility, decision, or struggle that you are facing today. Humbly ask God to give you His wisdom to discern the right hat to wear for the situation ahead of you.
Padre (Captain) Steeve Arseneau is a Military Chaplain with the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, near Quebec City. Steeve represents the C&MA’s St. Lawrence District on the national leadership team of the Association of Alliance Chaplains.
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