A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
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: 10- 31 The Message
Mother’s Day is tomorrow, and most likely, it will be the most unusual Mother’s Day most of us have ever experienced. Now I realize that not every woman is a mother, but all of us have a mother. Tomorrow is a day where we reflect upon the memories of mothers in our lives. It is an opportunity to celebrate those women.
Proverbs 31 speaks of the worth of a good woman. From our perspective, some of those items might seem a bit out dated. Yet the overall essence of this passage reinforces the important role that women played in the Old Testament, and do so today. One of the key points of this passage is the respect and trust that she receives for all the hard work done by this woman of worth.
Honoring someone is appreciated by the one who is honored. When we show respect, love, and honor towards another person, it is a great gift. We know that no one who has walked this earth has ever been perfect, except for our Lord Jesus. There are some mothers who do not live up to the image Hallmark portrays in their cards. Yet I believe that Mother’s Day is an opportunity to reflect upon the good in all mothers. This may be more difficult for some than for others. I am sorry for the disparity. Not everyone may have had a relationship with their mother which nurtured feelings of honor and respect. I do not believe that you can force feelings that are not there. Yet I believe you can honor the image of a mother which God intended.
So this Mother’s Day, I hope you can find a way to let that mother in your life how much you appreciate her. Let her know how special she is! We may all have to be a bit more creative during this socially distanced time. Yet I assure you, even a voice on the phone will be a welcomed reminder of the love that is felt towards one another.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for the mothers in our lives today, and for all those mothers who have been a part of our lives. We thank you, Lord, for you have shown us the unconditional example of love as a parent. May we seek to follow in Your ways in all we do. Each day, help us to act towards each other in the way you desire, creating good relationships. We thank you for the blessings of the mothers in our lives, as we pray this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen
