I've always had somewhat of a dislike for the proverbs 31 woman. She just made me feel guilty. All of the wonderful doings of her day made me dizzy. That is- until I read this post, "I Think the Proverbs 31 Wife Liked to be on Top." A bit scandalous, I know, but it really puts the gal in the proper light. She was a passionate woman whose talents and whose love for her man and her kids resulted in wonderful works. Being a good mom or wife is not about checking all the boxes in some cosmic "to do" list. I know many faithful women that I could write a "Proverbs 31-like" ode to, and the outstanding works of each one would be different. One works diligently to feed her family pure and healthy foods; one coaches her children's sports teams and leads their girl scout troops; one models hospitality and charity to her family and engages them in serving others; one sits on the floor and plays make-believe with her sweet little girl. The specific gifts of each of these ladies are different, but their heart is the same. They love the Lord and they love the husband and children that He's given them. Each one is a witness to the fabulous, creative God that made them. I won't be planting a vineyard any time soon, but I will be planting a tomato plant with my little gardener, Katie bug, and taking hot kids to the pool, and hustling everyone and their friends into the car to make it to vacation bible school on time, and maybe when the day is done, I just might like to be on top!
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal 5:1
Posts
Thanks for updating such a Christianized idea for me! I know a woman who matches your description. I'll be sure and let her know I appreciate her today!-)
ReplyDeleteThat is such a good point! It's a great reminder that its truely the heart that God goes after, and not some list of ideals.
ReplyDeleteI hope you guys are doing well! Tell everyone hello for me.
Thanks for the revision on the old standard. You are a very wise woman of God and I am so blessed to call you friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you started blogging again, my friend! And thank you for reminding us all that our fulfilment of our vocation doesn't have to look like someone else's. I can't, for example, do all the amazing things you do with your kids. I just can't. It's not in my nature, and it would leave me unsettled and frazzled. I can't offer hospitality the way you do so graciously, either... but that doesn't mean that I fail in my vocation. It simply means that I'm called to do it differently, using the gifts and talents He's given me, like you use yours.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to be able to call you friend, and to learn from you as we go through motherhood together!
[by the way, I have to laugh... my word verification for this post was "LORTBAG"]