I did it!

Anyone ever read A Hat for Ivan? It's a children's book by Max Lucado. It describes a village in which all the citizens wear hats. On their 12th birthday, they each receive their own customized hat, made just for them by the hatmaker. These hats tell them what they should do and what they should become. They draw attention to their strengths, their gifts and their greatest joys. The story tells of the hatmaker's son, Ivan, who is about to turn 12. As he walks through town, several people give Ivan hats just like theirs. They presume to know what he should do. The baker wants him to be a baker; the music teacher thinks he would be better suited as a musician; the fireman has his own ideas, as well. None of the hats fit very well and they all weighed him down. Ivan was left in a heap trying to please everyone and never truly reaching his potential.

I've been an Ivan. Blame it on my middle-child syndrome. Or maybe I've just been convinced it's the "right" thing to do. Regardless, I've been moping around for three weeks trying to convince myself to wear hats that don't fit. I've been weighed down by what others think I should be doing. I've been crumped into a pile by the expectations placed upon me -- none of which fulfill my purpose. I've listened to the wrong voices.

After posting this week and receiving all your words of encouragement, I did it. I made the calls I needed to make to get out from under the wrong hats. And you know what? Just like Ivan, I feel so much lighter! I feel happier and, best of all, I can now wear the hat made just for me. I've regained my desire to write. I've actually spent several hours today working on my book; a project that nearly fizzled has been revived. I'm so grateful!

So, THANK YOU for your prayers and encouragement. Thank you for your sound wisdom. And thank you for your patience with my compaining and dim-wittedness, two traits that seem to prevail often. *grin* I praise God He doesn't give up on us, even when we're not listening. I thank Him for His clear direction and quiet strength that allow us to heed His still, small voice.