For these reasons and more I have never written my name in the margin of Proverbs 31:
1) I caught Sunday lunch on fire this past Sunday. My husband blew it out.
2) I added these to a pork roast recipe because I thought they were the same thing as dried onions. But they’re not. Fried and Dried are not the same thing.
3) My husband has worn underwear socks inside out because I was not up while it was still dark washing or darning new ones for him. And for the record the only “darn” I know about is the word you say when you really want to say something else. Ahem.
4) Our daughter wears mismatched socks almost every single day….not due to a trend thing.
Oh I could go on but I’ll leave it at that and make my point. Because there is only 8,464 more things I could add to this list it made something that happened last week even more special to me.
On one of our Proverbs readings last week we all read Proverbs 31. The family is scattered in the living room and we’re all reading our verses. I read and kept silently saying to myself, “Dangit I gotta work on that!” Or “That is so not me but I would like for it to be.” And so on.
We usually just read and pray and head out the door. But this morning was different. Randy began reading Proverbs 31 out loud and he would stop and make some comments about me in between. He would say, “Mom takes care of the poor – how does she do that?” The kids took part and together they built me up and pointed out areas that I was like the Proverbs 31 woman and I was in awe. In shock more like. It’s not that I think I’m a lame chick wallowing in self pity. I just don’t think of myself in terms of Proverbs 31. I want to get there but I’m not yet. So to hear my man and my kids affirm me in this was so very moving. They prayed over me and thanked God for me and my heart melted in a puddle. I will never forget that moment.
And that night for dinner?
We had the best meal we’ve had in a long time.
The house?
Was immaculate.
The hubs underwear and socks?
Clorox clean!
Kids clothes?
Washed, ironed, folded and put away neatly completely with matching socks for the girly girl.
And even if I haven’t felt Proverbs 31’ish before I am starting to strive for it more intentionally.
I am a blessed woman of God – not because of what I do or don’t do but because of His grace for me through it all.
Hi Melody,
I’m visiting from Holley’s link-up today. I love your fresh and honest writing! I enjoyed reading how your family affirmed you even when you felt underserving and isn’t that what’s it all about? For them to feel loved and cared for, no matter how you do it! 🙂 Enjoyed my visit here!
Thank you Valerie – so glad you swung by!
I love this … I laughed my head off and loved what you had to say. I popped over from 3 words wednesday and looking forward to continue to follow your writing.. so fun!!!
Oh cool- thanks for stopping by!
How how real and fun. In a Holley Gerth book, she talks about how Proverbs 31 shows a woman of action. And then she says this: “It’s an example of how we can proactively approach life and be faithful with whatever God has placed under our car in a way that honors him and blesses others. … She does what’s simple and straight forward. But she does it with consistency and excellence. Over time, that adds us to much more than her actions each day might convey to those observing.” I love that and think about it often.
what great insights! Love this.
I so enjoyed your post today…what a sweet gift from your family to give you such specific compliments from Prov. 31. Many blessings to you and your sweet family!
thank you beth – it really was a sweet and unexpected gift.
I think we can all identify with the ways we do not live up to the bar set high by the Proverbs 31 woman – but we are striving. What a beautiful way for your husband and family to honor you. A little praise goes such a long way in encouraging us to keep trying doesn’t it?
You are right on with that my friend – praise goes a long way!
That was hilarious…and touching. We all need to hear this, and I love how your family voiced how they see you. 🙂