The Hats We Wear: Concluded

 

For the past three weeks we have been taking a look at the various roles we play in our lives under the metaphor of the hats we wear.  This was developed around the following 

5 Critical Questions for Self Reflection

What are the roles I currently play or expect to play in the future?

This is the most basic part of the assessment

Who depends upon me, and for what?

This question begins to determine the magnitude of each role

How am I succeeding in each role?

This gives us the opportunity to feel some positive mojo

How am I underperforming in each role?

This allows us to highlight areas that need a tune-up

What do I need to do to capitalize upon the things I am doing well,

while acquiring the knowledge or skills to improve those I am not?

This is where we put the assessment to work

Today I wish to draw this series to a close by examining the final three questions.

Lets begin with the question of:

How am I succeeding in each role?

As with each of these questions, in order to gain full benefit we must be completely honest with ourselves when we answer.  Recognizing our successes can fall at both ends of the spectrum, in that we are often very proud of those things we do well, while at times we get caught up in the minutiae of our lives and sometimes fail to recognize where we are succeeding.  

Most often our successes are pretty straightforward and if we look at the things we are most proud of we will typically see successes somewhere nearby.  For example in my world I am quite proud of my wife and daughter and count it a success that we have established a wonderful Christian home together.  No, we are not perfect (far from it), no one is perfect, despite the facades they might try to put up.  Yet we live in a great deal of harmony with one another, we worship and serve our God together, we attempt to steer clear of the drama that others may seek to draw us into, and we look to the future and consider it, as a family.  There are successes we can, and should, claim in every aspect of our lives.  When we begin to claim these successes, and honor God in them, we will see patterns emerge that can be useful to us as we make decisions about our future.

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!

For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.

Joel 3:14

In this brief passage of scripture the prophet Joel is exhorting the people to prepare for war.  It is our decisions that will allow us to win, or cause us to lose in the epic battle that is taking place around us each and every day.  Spiritual warfare is real, and if you are not noticing, it could be a sign that you are not engaged, and may already be a prisoner of that war.  

Moving now to the next question:

How am I underperforming in each role?

More often than not this is the easiest question to answer.  Why?  Because in this world it is far too easy to get caught up in the negatives.  While there are those who walk around with blinders on failing to recognize their shortcomings, the vast majority of us know we have issues, and know that there are things we need to improve upon.  Yet we are either poor-mouthing ourselves into believing we can't do anything about it, or we are failing to bring God into the picture.  

When we are underperforming in an area we have a couple of choices, tackle it head on and strive to make it better, or ignore it and hope that no one notices.  We also know (but don't always act is if we do) the ramifications of either course.  The option of facing our weakness head on is daunting and we know that it will require work and sacrifice and must set our mind upon that end result that we desire, not on the details of that difficult walk to success.  The other course should really not be an option, and for long-term success it cannot be a legitimate option.  Ignoring our deficiencies is a recipe for total disaster.  While in the section prior I spoke about my family situation as one of my successes, within that is a BIG opportunity which is to communicate better with both my wife and daughter which will open up new possibilities for further strengthening our future together.  

Another area for me to work on a weakness is food.  I must confess that I, Terry Combs, am addicted to food, I crave it, I desire it, and I must have it every day.  The addict in me not only craves it but in its sweetest, saltiest, carbohydrate and/or cholesterol filled worst forms possible.  For that reason I, for the past five and a half years, have lived with Type II diabetes, which by the way is no fun, but does provide for quite the challenge.  Each day this challenge is constant, and the sad thing is I, just like you must eat, and thus the decisions of what, when, and how to eat become critical.  As a leader in a healthcare organization serving the elderly I see the damage that a lack of self control can cause.  Many of the seniors we serve are afflicted with the same Type II diabetes I have, and because they have often failed to control it they face harsh consequences with their health such as becoming insulin dependent (requiring shots), loss of limbs, loss of eyesight, and some requiring dialysis up to 3 times per week.  Not to be a Deano the Downer, but that is not appealing and it serves to motivate me in my personal struggles.  It is in our struggles that we must look to God for comfort and direction.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

James 4:8

Finally the question becomes:

What do I need to do to capitalize upon the things I am doing well,

while acquiring the knowledge or skills to improve those I am not?

I must state very clearly for the record here, that I don't know how to answer this for you, and that it is something that I must regularly consider in relation to my own life.  We all face changing circumstances, which drive the decisions we make and the answers we provide.  It is up to you to analyze the items from each of the questions we have asked, view it through the lens of your life, and your goals, desires, and dreams and create that individualized plan for your future.

My son, do not forget my law,

But let your heart keep my commands;

 

For length of days and long life

And peace they will add to you.

Let not mercy and truth forsake you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart,

 

And so find favor and high esteem

In the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

 

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:1-5

Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I Thessalonians 5: 16-18

It is my hope that each of you have gained something from this series, and that you can take some of these principles and put hem to work in your lives that you might find the fulfillment, in Christ, that you desire.  Life isn't always easy, but it can be a joy when we trust in the great and mighty God who created and sustains all things.  If you will put your trust in Him, then you are on the path to Make Today Great!