She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. Proverbs 31:16
What struck me was that she went out to the field and then bought it and made plans. Not They. I can make plans as well. Ones that don't include my husband, buy may benefit him all the same.
She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maindens. Provers 31:15
What struck me was the word maidens. She had help. Which means it's not a crime to ask for help. Now that probably means that the husband will hold it against you, but let's face it. It would have held anything against you if it benefitted him. I don't really like asking for help. I could use some.
Organization. I try to be organized. In some places I am almost manic. In others (for instance I am surrounded on this desk by junk. Just junk.) Not so much.
She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. Proverbs 31:14
She brought food. Nourishment. From wherever she needed to bring it from. I need to do that. Not only to bring them the nourishment that they need, but to represent a healthy way of cooking and consuming that food.
She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. Proverbs 31:13
To be grateful for everything. My favorite part of the lesson was being thankful for projectile vomiting. Now that's one I had never thought of. I suppose vomit from the top bunk would fall into a thankful category as well. I am thankful that the vomit that landed on so many things means that I have (had) so many things for the vomit to fall on and that when they were thrown away ( yes, I threw them away I didn't clean them) that I could replace the toys, clothes, whatever. I have children in which to do the vomiting. Thank you.
Attitude towards work: I work with/for my husband. Sometimes that's not as glamorous as it seems. When he needs to unload, he unloads on me. Whether we are in public or not. I however, am not allowed to do the same. And really, I shouldn't though. (neither should he) However, we are never alone. We are always around someone. There really is no "time" to have a knock down drag out fight. That is something I am going to need to work on.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:11-12
He trusts in her. Men who trust tend to respect. Try to bring wise counsel to him. However, do it when he is receptable. My husband isn't always able/capable of listening. I am not always able to give counsel in a manner that isn't degrading. Sometimes, his ideas are stupid.
Loyalty: I think I am loyal. One thing I do need to stop is bad mouthing him when he is not being honorable. Keep that between the two of us.
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10
What struck me was that women are often seen as worth money or less than, but here is says that women are worth far more than. Which I don't think they are often valued that way. Usually they are seen as a way to either get more money or save. Women are seen as virtuous which is the same as valor. Women tend to try and create value from men. Men don't value us as much as they should. Maybe what needs to change is not how men value women, but how women value themselves. Valuing myself rather than reflecting my husbands view is something I definitely need to work on.
Proverbs 31 woman is a whole lotta woman. A bit intimidating. Do I even want to do that? I do not measure up. Like at all. Nor have I outwardly told my children that it is a goal. Might wanna get started on that since I have 7 and only one is at home now.
