There’s a phrase we say here in the States. “Someone wears a lot of hats.” Different jobs. Different roles. Different responsibilities. Welp. I tend to wear a fair few fedoras. Say that three times fast. I prefer to say I’m a soul man. And have been since I was 13.

Ha. Bet you’re thinkin’ I’m gonna go to when I got saved. Welp, yup, I did. That’s not what I’m gonna ramble about at the moment. The game’s afoot, as Sherlock would say. So let’s step into it.

I saw this awesome pair of boots. We’d just moved to the city, so there was no way I needed them. We’d just lost our house and didn’t have two nickels to rub together. Mom saw that I really wanted them. Somehow she found a way to make that a birthday present. I remember they cost around a hundred bucks. Heck, that’s twice what I’d even think about paying for shoes now. Back then, unheard of. She made me promise to take care of them.

I still wear them occasionally. They’re 43 years old. A little tight. They still fit. Each time I see them I’m reminded of the sacrifices she must have made to put a smile on her kid’s face.

I also look at all the different shoes I own. Those boots. The flip-flops. The Crocs. The Chucks. And yes, I do own a pair of dress shoes. They got me thinkin’ back to the hat situation, and the different ministries and teaching that’s done.

Recently we were talking with our high school class about a story that’s been taught, literally, since VBS. Zacchaeus. And the differences. As little kids they’re taught about a wee little man climbing a tree. As young teens they’re taught about hospitality. As youth they’re taught about grace and conviction. How you’re compelled to do the right thing not because God demands it, but because you want to once Christ is in your heart.

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he’s not chastising them for where they’re at. He’s gently explaining that where they are in their walk with Christ — where we are in our walk with Christ — depends on how we understand our faith.

Matthew reminds us that He is with us now, and until the end of the age.

Just a thought from a guy that, even after all these years, still gets tears in his eyes when he sees those boots.

Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 3 / Matthew 28

Questions

Did you ever get a birthday gift that truly blew you out of the water ???

How many “Faith Hats” do you wear … How many do you share ????