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The new year brings resolutions, organizing, new routines it’s all being done by people around the world. I typically don’t have “New Year’s Resolution” as I try to continually make changes in my life to benefit myself and others rather than just on New Year’s. However, since Ryan and I have gotten married I have wanted to return back to this section of scripture that I remembered from back in high school. It is the epilogue of the wife of noble character. I remembered it stating traits of a wife. It would say “a wife” or “her”. I also remember going through the passage marking out all those words and replacing them with “I” and “me”. I told myself that one day I would be a wife and I would work to be a wife of noble character. So here we are starting 2012 and I am here to make a pledge that I will try my best to be a wife of noble character. Not only in 2012, but in all the years to come! The scripture is below along with some added thoughts from me.
Proverbs 31
10A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies. (In some people’s eyes I know I am!)
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value. (He does have confidence in me and reminds me every day. I plan to continually prove he can have confidence in me.)
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life. (It will not be an easy task, BUT…I hope that I can say this is true for ALL the days of my life!)
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands. (Eager hands I do have. I hope in old age I can keep at it!)
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar. (Is Walmart considered afar?)
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants. (It is often still dark when I head to the gym! 😉 I am sure in a few years I will be awake in mid night for little ones who need some feedings. And those moments I hope to never take for granted.)
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. (I will remember planning is key to move forward with success.)
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks. (Ryan does say I have a strong back! Again, in old age I hope I can keep working vigorously.)
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night. (I hope to always contribute to the world and be profitable rather than the alternative.)
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers. (Creating warmth and safety, like a blanket for those around me is what I plan to do.)
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy. (Wanting and longing to be a servant throughout time.)
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet. (Knowing that the past decisions and actions have now lead us to a safe place.)
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple. (Making sure our home and our family are cared for well.)
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. (I will speak kindly of my husband always and will show him respect and trust so that others do the same.)
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes. (I will contribute and help fulfill needs within our community.)
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come. (Standing strong in my morals and beliefs as others do silly things because they are not clear of their own.)
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue. (I pray that I am guided and given wisdom daily so that I can share those experiences.)
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness. (To help aid my husband and those around me in positive habits and actions so that we together can grow in an encouraging way.)
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.” (I hope that Ryan and my future children will be able to truthfully say that about their wife and mother.)
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. (Our God is the one thing that is constant while the worldly things come and go. That I will remember.)
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (I hope to honor many people with the work that I do each and every day. One day when I am at the beautiful gate of heaven I hope to bring smiles to the people here on earth for the things I did in my life.)
I always want to be the best wife that I can be! Most days I feel that I am doing a good job. However, when I read this passage it reminds me exactly what I should be working towards and reminds me never to be satisfied where I am as there is always more to achieve. I will continually work to be a wife of noble character!
Ladies out there, what do you do to show you are a wife of noble character? Leave a comment below to encourage other women (and me!) who are trying to live up to this challenge!
Until Next Time – Truly Love,
Cassie
What a wonderful thought to the new year! I have a one year bible that I read from daily and on Dec. 31 this section of scripture was part of my readings. I thought what a timely reminder it was as I was going into the new year thinking of the ways I want to be better. Reading that passage the last day of the old year reminded me that it really does not matter what my goals for myself are when God’s word clearly shows me what his goals are for me. He will not leave me or forsake me in my quest to do what is right. Turning to him daily will strengthen and revive me when the task seems overwhelming. So, here is to growing closer to God in 2012 and becoming the noble women he designed us to be!