THE Woman

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her female servants.

She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city
Proverbs 31:10-31

Who is this woman?  I can tell you who she isn't--ME!  This is a woman on steroids and caffeine.  She does it all, apparently with no complaints.  She works, raises her kids, takes care of everyone, helps her hubby, and on and on.  She just makes me tired.
Why did God give us this impossible example?  He knows that I cannot possibly fill her shoes.  I propose that He put her in the Word because He knew that I couldn't be her.  He knew that I can't even come close.  This, in turn, draws me to Him.  He becomes my source of the Proverbs 31 qualities.  With Him, I can be this impossible woman.  I'm not really sure I want to be her, but if I ever get the urge all I have to do is call out to Jesus and He'll equip me.

Happy Mother's Day (belated)!!!  I've got some thoughts to share about our trip to Alabama with Samaritan's Purse tommorrow!