I suppose it was in high school when I first became aware of the concept of the Proverbs woman. It must have been in youth group. My youth pastor always did a yearly sermon series on dating and what a marriage should be. Hearts and flowers wasn't what he described to us...and I must confess that I wasn't romanced by Proverbs. While the woman the Bible describes is a mighty woman to behold, I am not there yet. She is organized, trustworthy, charitable, gracious, and eager to work and provide. Who am I? I am a daughter, sister, wife, friend and librarian, but am I eager to work everyday? Do I plant a garden and grow vergetables? Am I skilled in mending winter clothes? Am I "festooned with praises" by those around me? Certainly not. (what is festooning, anyway?)
Thank the Lord for Nancy Kennedy! The wonderful woman of God lived right in my hometown and felt inadequate like the rest of us. She wrote a book a book called "When Perfect Isn't Enough: How I Conquered My Fear of the Proverbs 31 Woman." What a woman of insight! I remember reading it long ago and thinking that I was not as overwhelmed as she (i have no children) but that the feelings of inadequacy would come soon enough. I need to reread the book as I am in a current funk of not feeling like I am enough. Am I what my boss, friend, mom, husband wants? Am I who God intended me to be?
A friend asked me the other day if I struggled with contentment. I said yes. I am always looking around and wondering why I wasn't blessed with what others have. I am blessed surely, but my heart desires things that I don't have yet. Man, I sound whiny.
Lord, give me the contentment that only You can bring. Heal my wanting heart. Sew up the wounds from mean high school girls and boys that broke my heart. Grant my mind the knowledge that I am the one the YOU made and that though I am not there yet, I am on the path You intended.
Look at how blessed I am! That man loves me, and those dogs certainly do! I am the dinner bell to them. Charlie is the romantic man I prayed for. Phoebe, the blond daugther, is my stubborn airhead (much like her namesake from Friends) and Lucy is the heart of the house. Those brown eyes running full-tilt around my kitchen. Who could ask for more, right?
I am a woman with more questions than answers. I am constantly searching, learning, decorating, loving and muddling my way through this life. I live under His grace. I stray daily from my faith, my diet, the road, but never my husband. I could eat a whole dish of tiramisu and not feel guilty. I could knit a sweater with all the dog hair on my floor, if I swept it up, or knew how to knit. I am hanging on, holding out, and hoping for the best God has to offer.
Blog design created by
1 comment:
Hi Sissy,
I just LOVE your new blog.
The picture of the falling leaves is particularly fetching.
I'm so with you on this journey toward contentment. It seems so simple, but yet I struggle. Life goes by so quickly and while I am held back by worry regarding what is to come, I often forget to enjoy the present. Age 30 hit me so hard because I realized how much time I spent worrying about the next step and I forgot to have fun.
My mom will be thrilled to know that you've mentioned her book. While she can be quite wise at times, she also enjoys the occasional shout out. In fact, even though I've been away from home for over 11 years, she still appreciates it when I arise and call her blessed. ;)
Post a Comment