the (more than) happy hat

The other day I wore a hat ... a new hat, at that.  I am a "hat person" by nature, and love wearing them as much as I love buying them!  Even while we were at Lollapalooza last weekend (awesome!!  post coming soon!), I could not believe the amount of hats that I saw on guys and girls alike ... it was almost like looking back on the '20s (tidbit: Wall Street Journal did a piece last year about what they thought about this generation wearing hats)!  But, as present as ever, when I wore my hat just the other day, I seemed to attract a seemingly large amount attention and got a stockpile of comments just for wearing it!

It is from the men's section...but how were those onlookers supposed to know that?!  Normally, I try to smile at people when I make eye contact with them, but that day, I felt like I was smiling non-stop!  In a funny way, them seeing the hat either made them feel comfortable to talk to me or something...conversation starter, perhaps?  Whatever it was, it drew my attention to how people come to view or perceive me in a day by what I "put on".

Obviously, I'm not suggesting that you have to wear a hat to give others a good impression of yourself!  The hat only sits on the brim of it(!).  Digging deeper, I as myself, "what does everyone receive from me?  If it be a second or an hour encounter..."  You can be smiling and wearing a hat, but that means nothing when your heart is not ready to love or when it's not at peace.

In Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul warns us that everything we face here on earth is a battle, not between man to man, but against an enemy and his accomplices in the spiritual realm.  Though, usually, our outer selves represent the state of our hearts, it goes much farther than how we look outwardly.

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17

  
I encourage you, and myself, to put on your armor today.  Be confident as you walk in the protection, love, and grace of God and be ready to share why your countenance is sweet, full, and sure.

And...if you wear a cool hat, bonus!

pic pix: the happy hat, Calgary, AB Aug.2011