Thursday, July 28, 2011

Proverbs 31

Do you know what I like most about the woman described in Proverbs 31?

She didn't write those words about herself.

I've been meditating lately on what it takes to be a godly woman, wife, and mother. I've been pushing deep into my character and accepting the refining that God is taking me through. Nothing helps me see my sin better than His word, the Bible. Most Christians (both men & women) consider the wife described by the king in Proverbs 31 (as advised by his mother) as the end-all, be-all of women. She was a hard worker, she was faithful and sacrificing, she was wise, and she was loved and honored by her husband and her children.

And she was humble. She didn't write about herself or set up a forum discussing her strengths and projects, though I'm sure her blog would have been fabulous. She didn't stand on her roof to declare every little thought, though her tweets might have been fascinating. She knew her audience: her God, her husband, and her children. And she was probably just too busy, right?!


There is a part of me that wishes she had penned the verses because I'm sure we would have seen a much messier perspective, as she shares her struggles and bad days, the failures and the hiccups. But what stands the test of time and what impresses the heart of her husband is the glorious and indomitable spirit to work and manage, with frugality, generosity and a heart of joy. Those traits are birthed out of a deep groaning and a constant reminder: my life is not my own. My life is not my own. The ultimate act of humility is to embrace that our lives as moms and wives are not our own.

Breathe deep the air of humility, dear friend, and you will be filled with life.