Sunday, May 8, 2011

The kind of wife and mother I want to be

Proverbs 31:10-31


10 A wife of noble character who can find? 
   She is worth far more than rubies. 
11 Her husband has full confidence in her 
   and lacks nothing of value. 
12 She brings him good, not harm, 
   all the days of her life. 
13 She selects wool and flax 
   and works with eager hands. 
14 She is like the merchant ships, 
   bringing her food from afar. 
15 She gets up while it is still night; 
   she provides food for her family 
   and portions for her female servants. 
16 She considers a field and buys it; 
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 
17 She sets about her work vigorously; 
   her arms are strong for her tasks. 
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, 
   and her lamp does not go out at night. 
19 In her hand she holds the distaff 
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 
20 She opens her arms to the poor 
   and extends her hands to the needy. 
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; 
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 
22 She makes coverings for her bed; 
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, 
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, 
   and supplies the merchants with sashes. 
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; 
   she can laugh at the days to come. 
26 She speaks with wisdom, 
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 
27 She watches over the affairs of her household 
   and does not eat the bread of idleness. 
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; 
   her husband also, and he praises her: 
29 “Many women do noble things, 
   but you surpass them all.” 
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; 
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, 
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.





We mothers have been commissioned to the highest calling: training up the next generation in the ways of the Lord. Although it seems as such at times, it's about more than spit up, diapers, potty training, learning ABCs, and swimming lessons. It's about molding and shaping these little minds and bodies into responsible citizens of the world. We give freely of ourselves so that we may better our children. In turn, we will see the fruits of our labor develop and flourish as our children grow. What an amazing gift we've been given! 


Thank you, Lord, for this daunting, yet splendid task you have laid before me. I am in awe that you have entrusted one of your precious little children to me that I may bear the title "Mother." I wear it proudly, as a badge of honor, knowing that it is, by far, the most important thing I will do in my entire life. Please give me the ability to translate your grace and mercy accordingly and bestow it upon my dear son with the same unfailing love that you've bestowed it upon me. 


Happy Mother's Day!