"SHE selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." Proverbs 31:13.
I work, but I don't select wool and flax. I select daisies and petunias.
I scour toilets and tubs--especially when company is coming. I scrub pots and pans--whenever I forget to soak them overnight. I dust my furniture--when a spring breeze and overhead fans create dust-bunnies from the build-up. I wash my windows--occasionally, when I can no longer see outside for the dog licks and handprints. I pretreat laundry and fold it--when we no longer have towels in the linen closets. I unload the dishwasher--when I need to reload it. I vacumn, mop and sweep--when I'm shamed into it because my dust-bunnies resemble tumbleweed.
And before you say, well, nowadays we have ready-made dresses, jeans and sweatshirts, I need to confess.
Most times what I do, even if modern convenience and progress allows me to avoid knitting and weaving--I do not do with eager hands. No. I do it with grumbling, complaining and procrastination. I begrudge the time I allot to diligent housekeeping. I'd rather be gardening, writing or playing with grandchildren. I'd rather be hiking or lying in a hammock reading a book.
And if that isn't bad enough, I do not set about my work "vigorously", either. (verse 17) Why? Because my arms are not "strong for my tasks". It takes far more strength for me to accomplish a task than, say...my friends Barb and Chris. Now those ladies are virtuous. Beyond virtuous. And what I like about them is they still like me even though I'm not. And I truly and sincerely appreciate that they aren't like me. They are women to be admired. They are the epitome of a virtuous wife.
However, even though I'm not virtuous in this respect, and probably never will be--my husband still thinks I make a mean spaghetti sauce. My flaws he overlooks.
[copyrighted, SelahV Today, 2007]
Comments