HATS

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart…” Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)

I have so many hats to wear —

each one a different color.

Some are big and some are small,

and some are quite a bother.

But every day I put them on,

one right on top the other.

I’m not sure how they all stay up —

It’s quite a sight to see.

In fact, with all these hats I wear,

I’m sure you can’t see me.

Some “ooh” and “ahh” their accolades,

while others envy me ­—

I wonder what they all would think

If they could see what I could see.

Then one day, I passed a mirror.

My reflection stopped my stride.

What was showing on the outside,

wasn’t close to what’s inside.

I turned away, my heart sank low,

despair replaced my song.

“What am I doing with all these hats?

I’ve worn them far too long.

For underneath their tilted brims,

I’ve lost who I should be.

These are others’ expectations,

And what I wanted them to see.

I must admit my head is sore,

and I’m getting pretty tired.

How do I remove these hats

and pursue my heart’s desire?

That is when I saw Him

sitting in His rocking chair.

The gentle creaking rhythm

echoed softly through the air.

“Oh, my Daddy—how I’ve missed You!

How long have You been there?”

He smiled at me so gently

with a twinkle in his eye.

Then motioned with His hand and said:

“Come, sit with me a while.”

I slowly walked up to Him,

not sure of what He’d say.

These silly hats upon my head,

as I moved, began to sway.

I began to feel so foolish,

like an awkward little child.

He caught me playing dress up.

How I wish that I could hide.

He slowly stood and, with His hands,

took off each colored hat.

He placed them down, all on the floor,

and then He slowly sat.

Once again, He gently motioned,

“Sit with me a while.”

So, I climbed up in my Daddy’s lap

and looked up to His smile.

“I knew you in your mother’s womb,

and I made you with great care.

Why do you try to cover up

the beauty I’ve made there?

My child, I’ll always love you,

no matter what they see.

Stop trying to be something

you were not supposed to be.”

The tears welled up within me,

I knew that it was true.

The time had come to put down my hats.

My pretending time was through.

I took His hand and whispered low,

“I don’t know what to do.”

He lifted up my chin

and hugged me, oh so close,

“Each morning, when the day is new,

come sit with Me awhile.

I’ll tell you what your heart desires,

while we rock and rest a while.”

And so each day, He waits for me

in the same old rocking chair,

to speak His truth into my heart

and hold me closely there.

Some days, I’m far too busy —

too tangled to be still.

And other days, I wear old hats

that I swore I never will.

But when I hear that gentle creaking

echo softly through the air,

I turn and see Him waiting —

my Daddy, sitting there.

I run to Him and lay my hats

all down upon the floor,

then climb into my Daddy’s lap

just like I did before.

I snuggle in his warm embrace

and hear him softly sigh.

I know He is my Daddy,

and I’m the apple of His eye.

🖤 Terra © 2004/2025

“…For whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye.” Zechariah 2:8