Saturday 18 February 2012

The Diligent Woman

Now, as I have gone so far as to base my blog upon the scripture of the Proverbs 31 Woman, I guess it's pretty much a given that I think she's pretty impressive. I am glad to say however, that I don't feel inadequate in comparison to her and that's not because I'm claiming I do everything she does!
My personal standpoint is that I view the things she does and achieves as examples of good practise, and I'm happy to those things when it suits me and when I can make the time to do so. I do not feel however that I am a failure if I don't spin my own thread!
I'm going to expand on verse 19 today, but in my thinking and reading about it , it got me wondering if other women felt the same confidence that I do or whether some even felt burdened by her example?
I even asked my husband what he thought about her. Interestingly he did recognise that she was busy and industrious but also felt that it's important to have time for family and loved ones, and he noted that there is no mention of a shared vision between the wife and husband.

Lise Sewing, Auguste Renoir
Anyway, what could verse 19 have to say for us today? Well, most translations say something along the lines of the Good News Version:
She spins her own thread and weaves her own cloth.’
Indicating a craft in spinning and weaving, something I don't know of many people making time for today.

Whereas The Message says:
‘She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.’
And this can mean so much more to many more of us. For instance, she's a homemaker in how she prepares and resources the living spaces of the lounge and bedrooms. Where she can she makes the curtains, cushions and blankets. She plans and prepares the meals for the household, and is organised in doing this. She puts the equipment to good use, setting the timer of the bread-maker to be ready in the morning for toast and sandwiches. Making double quantity of Bolognese or cookie mix and freezing it for another time.

Grace Communion International says:
'The example she sets is one of skill and industriousness. Whether this woman would be a computer programmer, a concert pianist, a mother, or all three, she develops her talents and hones her skills through education and diligent application.' Sheila Graham 2003.

Someone who works at being the best that they can be within their field of work is something we can all aspire to be.

Father God, I pray that you help and guide us all to be the best we can be, Amen.