Why do we look at this woman as unattainable or unreasonable? I’ve heard women say this idea is outdated, but I disagree. We are her. When I pray this Proverb, this is how I see myself in God’s promises:
I am a virtuous and capable wife. I am precious to God and my family. My husband trusts me and I greatly enrich his life. I bless him, and do not hurt him, all the days of my life.
I shop carefully and responsibly for my family. Each day, I wake while everyone is still asleep to prepare my heart and begin our day. I make coffee for my husband, breakfast for my children, and I plan our day.
I work outside of our home to help earn money in support of my family. My day is busy, I work hard and my day is long.
My hands are always busy. They care for my family, help keep our home, feed my family, provide comfort and help those in need. Work and family leave little time for hand crafting that I enjoyed when my children were little, but there will be time again for that one day. I make sure my family has clothes for each season, always wanting them to each look their best because they are mine, and never worry but always trust that we’ll have what we need.
That bedspread I’m making, has taken 14 years (A handmade yo yo quilt, begun when I was pregnant with my first.) but I am sure I will be able to say I’ve done this one day! In the meantime, I make our bed each day. Making sure I’m dressed, head to toe each day, bearing in mind that I represent my family as much as they represent me. And because we have lived in the same town for 15 years, I guess we are well known. I can’t sew, so there are no garments to make and sell. However, I do weave words that I have been known to be able to sell in support of my family.
(Get ready for the big ending! This is my favorite part and rather than adapt the message for today, I personalize it.) v25-31
She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instruction with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
While I can’t always be everything, to everyone, everyday. What I love best about my walk is the journey, the process that doesn’t end.
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6
(Originally published 4/15/13 in Transformed 12:2)
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