A Hat for Haley

I am a teacher. I’ve worn this hat for 15 years—before I dated Jason, before I became Mrs. Zimmerman, before I had kids.

I was a teacher.

When I chose this path, it was a logical choice for me. And as I continued along, it made sense because I had summers off (kind of), and I was with my family (sometimes).

But the recent stresses of being a teacher, along with its rigid and inflexible schedule, have made me reconsider it all. Something about this hat doesn’t fit.

A Hat for Ivan

A few years ago, I heard a story called A Hat for Ivan by Max Lucado. Ivan lives in the town of Hatville. Everyone wears a hat that showcases their talent or love, and Ivan’s father is the hat maker. As he reaches his tenth birthday, people in the town start giving him hats to wear. Some fit ok, some are too big, and none truly suit him.

That’s when the father tells Ivan, “I’ve seen what happens when people wear hats they weren’t intended to wear.”

I’ve seen what happens when people wear hats they weren’t intended to wear.

Ivan, I see you.

As much as I enjoy teaching, I’ve been wearing a hat that I’m not sure is meant for me.

The hat maker’s words have echoed in my ears since the day I heard that story.

“Just because someone gives you a hat, that doesn’t mean you are supposed to wear it.”

So, for now, the teacher’s hat is coming off.

And I’ll rest in the idea that the Father has a perfect hat for me.