The Proverbs 31 kind of wife…

I mentioned the other day how I strive to be more like the woman Proverbs 31 talks about. I was reading it over again tonight and I couldn’t help but to get chill bumps. The kind of integrity that this kind of woman possesses is incredible. She does things not because someone told her, but because she is fulfilling her purpose as a wife and mother. Doing things for her husband and family without expecting anything in return. Not only does she accomplish her daily tasks, but she goes above and beyond to meet the basic needs.

A lot of times I feel so overwhelmed by the everyday “tasks” I have as a mother and a wife. I’m always thinking of what I HAVE to do next. I’m a lot of times BARELY getting things done, much less going above and beyond expectations. Not only do I find myself just doing the bare minimum, but my attitude probably isn’t where it needs to be. Let’s face it, I tend to gripe. My perspective tends to become a little skewed. I look at all my responsibilities as chores, and the outlook I have on chores tend to have negative connotations attached. I tend to look at them as burdens rather than achievements to be proud of.

Here we go again… changing perspectives…

Why must I always have to look at my responsibilities as something that is weighing me down? Something that just takes up my time and works me down to the bone? I always hear, “take pride in what you do”, but I guess I’ve always related it to an occupation or the actual raising of your kids and not the duties that it contains. Think about it…taking pride in what we do…

The dictionary defines this sort of pride as this, “a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements”. Man, to have true PRIDE/deep pleasure in the duties I uphold as a wife, parent, and housekeeper…that’s powerful. To “work vigorously and have strong arms” in what I do… to maintain the up keep of taking care of my family to such an extent that I have “no fear for my household”….and accomplish things in such a way that my “children arise and call me blessed” and “my husband praises me” for all that I do.

That’s powerful.

The type of woman Proverbs 31 describes keeps going without ever regretting or griping about what is done. She provides, with excellence, for not only her family, but those around her who are in need. She doesn’t do things in order to get a dozen roses, to gain recognition, or get something in return. She does them because she loves. Loves through actions. She is truly selfless…literally. Whole-heartedly she takes on whatever she has to, not thinking of how it’s hindering “her time”.

To have this mentality and capability is life changing. It’s attainable if we allow it to be. We have to submit ourselves to God and truly be “God fearing”. When we do that we become everything our husbands and children need and more.

So next time, before I complain in my head or out loud about all I have to do, I’ll remember Proverbs 31 and smile with everything I have the HONOR in doing for my husband and family.