This will be my first “real” More Than Rubies Mondays post. Last Monday I typed up Proverbs 31:10-31, which you will find as one of my blog pages. You can reread that, if you so desire, to get the whole description of the virtuous wife and mother, whose “price is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10b).
I don’t plan to go through these verses systematically, as a pastor would. I’ll just chat with you about whatever comes to mind each week.
So – here you go!
I don’t know about you, but one of my character flaws is that I tend to compare myself unfavorably with others. This is a form of PRIDE that says, “If I’m not the the best at (fill in the blank), I’m going to be depressed about it.”
Look at that Proverbs 31 lady. It IS true that her husband says of her (verse 29), “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” The message I get is that it IS hard work to be an excellent wife and mother, NOT that this lady is comparing herself with others. She is simply striving to do a competent job, as she does the work of a wife and mom. According to her husband, she surely does succeed!
I have also caught myself comparing my older self unfavorably with my younger self. “I remember when I used to work hard baking or cleaning until midnight. I just don’t have that kind of energy anymore,” I’ll say regretfully. The truth of the matter is:
- I DON’T have that kind of energy anymore. What kind of superhuman do I pretend to think that I am, that I would not age and decrease somewhat in vigor as the years march on?
- I don’t NEED to have that kind of energy anymore. I no longer have a houseful of little ones who need lots of attention during the day. Some of the children are grown and gone from the family home. Those left at home are competent and willing to share in the work of the home.
Yes. I want to be competent. I want to do well, and even very well, all that is mine to do in my marriage and family. What I am NOT going to do, is compare myself unfavorably with every woman, past or present, who is better than me at something or another.
I will focus on my work. You focus on yours. Hope you do a great job in your home. That’s what I’m aiming for here, too.
