If the Hat Fits . . .

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

My son and my older daughter bought me a really nice watch for Christmas six years ago. I especially liked it because it was a golf watch. Limited edition. Brown leather wristband. Recessed etching on the face—of a golfer, caddy, green, and flag—in gold. Elegant black lettering around the design boasts “FOSSIL AUTHENTIC.” As the grandkids say, “It’s cool!”

I wear that watch proudly on and off the golf course.

But a not-so-cool hat came with the watch. It’s a green baseball-style cap, and it’s hanging on a hook in the garage. I put it there when I carried the torn Christmas giftwrap to the trashcan, and it has been hanging there ever since. I just haven’t had the heart to toss it out. After all, it was a gift from my son and daughter. What kind of dad would junk a gift from his kids?

So here’s the problem. The hat, like the watch, says FOSSIL. Fossil watches are popular, but who wants to wear a hat that says FOSSIL? Can you imagine the stares and not-so-funny comments I’d get if I wore it? “Look at that fossil.” “Did you see that fossil with the FOSSIL hat?” “Now there’s a guy who likes to advertise his age!” No thanks; I can get along nicely without that kind of attention.

So the FOSSIL hat will stay right where it is in the garage.

Now, this Christmas, if my kids give me a golf hat that says “PAR MAN,” I’ll even wear it to bed!


Strange, isn’t it, how we accept some gifts enthusiastically but considerate others inappropriate, even unwelcome. I guess that explains why gift exchange lines are so long the day after Christmas. Yet, God’s gifts are always appropriate and welcome. You see, He knows exactly what we need, what suits us best, and what we can use. The apostle James wrote: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

The apostle Paul commented about the variety of spiritual gifts God gives to believers. He said, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” (Romans 12:6). Then he counseled us to use our specific gift faithfully.

Let’s not hang our spiritual gifts on a hook somewhere!

© 2008, Jim Dyet