A while back, I posted a Facebook status that basically stated all the things I did that Sunday to prepare for the upcoming week. Baby Gray was not here yet; it was still Mr. Gray and I. A friend posted on the status that I sounded like a “Proverbs 31 Woman”. Boy, was I curious.
I whipped out my Bible (who am I kidding, I pulled it up on my phone) and checked out Proverbs 31. Wow. Me? A Proverbs 31 Woman? I could only hope. Since then, I have made it a priority to strive for this. I want my home to be clean, tidy, and ready for my husband and son to enjoy. I want to take care of the laundry, the dishes, the bills, and more–with a joyful heart no less! I do not want to be resentful or ugly in doing so.
As part of my goal list at the beginning of the year, I decided I wanted to take one day each week to hang out at home with Baby Gray. I try to make this day a day he and I can rest, play, and get to know each other. Sure, I know him, but he is changing every single day; I don’t want to miss anything. I have struggled with taking this time and feeling unproductive. I know some down time is okay, but I don’t want to cross the line into lethargy or laziness. Almost always, the day after we hang out at home is followed by a super productive day (I guess it helps to counter-act the day before in my mind). My prayer is to be like the woman described in Proverbs 31.
Proverbs 31:10-31
A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things,
but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
This is from The Message translation. While I know that it is not a true translation, I love the way this is worded. Regardless of which version you read, it is powerful, and it is something I want to achieve.
coupons that were all going to expire at the end of the day. While I’m in the store, I usually put coupons of things I don’t buy with the item on the shelf in the store. If I see someone with diapers in their basket that I know I have a coupon for, I’ll find one to give them. 
