So recently I became a stay at home mom and I love it more than words can say. As much as I love being a SAHM, I have NO idea what I'm doing. That's right, no idea! I wish they made a book, or a manual, or something. A huge lifesaver has been Pinterest, but recently someone pointed out Proverbs 31. I think often we look at Proverbs 31 and we think of the perfect wife... After all we refer to this woman as the Proverbs 31 wife. Instead of looking at her as a wife, we should also look at her as a mother.
I like "The Message" version of Proverbs 31.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!” Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of- GOD. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises! (Proverbs 31:15-31 MSG)
Some things I learned from this scripture.
1) a SAHM should be resourceful. She finds a way to earn money while taking care of her family at home. I recently found a way to make some money to help us be able to do the "fun things" and make memories.
2) a SAHM should be diligent. This is probably the hard one for me. It says a Prov 31 woman gets up early, prepares breakfast, and gets busy cleaning and homemaking. I don't like getting up early and I don't like cleaning. This is where I need the most work. ;)
3) a SAHM should be hospitable. This portion of scripture says that she's kind to everyone and her husband is proud to be married to her.
These three things are not attainable on our own. We need Jesus to be the best SAHM we can be. "Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of- GOD."
When we have the Holy Spirit receive spiritual gifts. These gifts help us to be the best we can be and step into the calling God has for us. We can uses these gifts to be hospitable and resourceful.
Through following Jesus we become disciplined. Disciple, after all, means disciplined learner. :)
Let's take a lesson from the Proverbs 31 WOMAN! Let's get resourceful, let's try and be disciplined, and let's be hospitable. :)