Proverbs 31

I have a friend who has been choosing one of her friends on Facebook and posting as her status what she admires in them.  Earlier this week, I was one of her friends that she chose and I was so blessed and yet overwhelmed and humbled by her words, that it is all I have thought about for a few days!  Yesterday as I was talking to my hubby about it, it hit me as to why it impacted me so much!  Her words, have been my life mission!  They are just what I would want my boys and husband and really everyone else, to be able to say about me at the end of my life.  Here are her words:

"When I think of Proverbs 31, Terri Lynn Harris comes immediately to my mind. A worthy woman. You are true to your friends. Pure to you husband and children. Loving to strangers. Content with what you have. You have opened up your home for others since the day I met you. You are a bright light in a dim world and I wanted to tell you that today. God Bless you Terri."

At first, I thought, wow, that's not true, what is she thinking!  BUT, as I read it again, I said to myself, "that really is my heart, that is who I strive to be."  So, why do I always doubt when someone says something kind to me, or says something about me that they see or feel?  I don't know!  It drives me crazy!  I have often prayed, "Lord, help me see me the way Bruce sees me."  My husband is an amazing man, I am so thankful that God decided he was for me!

Here are the words of advice from Solomon in Proverbs 31, while I know that we can not be exactly everything that this perfect woman is, but there is so much that we can glean from these words.  Proverbs is an advice book for us.  It is not a commandment or a law that is to be followed exactly.  Look at it as a gentle guidance from someone you respect.  I came into marriage and mothering with not a lot of healthy, good examples.  I have often felt that I was on my own and to learn how to be a good wife and mom.  It is not an easy job by any means, but I truly believe in this scripture, and that if we strive to be anything close to this woman, as a wife and mom, we will have amazing marriages full of love and respect!

"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?  She is worth more than precious rubies.  Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.  She will not hinder him but help him all her life.  She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.  She is like a merchant's ship; she brings her food from afar.  She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan he day's work for her servant girls.  She goes out to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.  She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.  She watches for bargains; her lights burn late into the night.  Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.  She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.  She has no fear of winter for her household because all of them have warm clothes.  She quilts her own bedspreads. She dresses like royalty in gowns of finest cloth.  Her husband is well known, for he sits in the council meeting with the other civic leaders.  She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.  She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future.  When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions.  She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness.  Her children stand and bless her.  Her husband praises her. There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!  Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.  Reward her for all she has done.  Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." 

                                                     Proverbs 31:10-31

Inside My Heart

It definitely has been awhile since I have sat down and put words to my thoughts.  These past 6 weeks have been quite full!  My father-in-law is definitely doing much better.  Back in December he was having a hard time walking, well, more like a general weakness in his lower body.  It just continued to get worse, so we ended up in the emergency room after several falls at home.  He was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, high blood pressure from not taking his medication properly, along with taking too much Vicodin.  He ended up in a rehabilitation hospital for about three weeks trying to get his blood pressure back in control and working on building more strength in his legs.  He is now home and doing much better.  His dementia makes things pretty dificult for the family, but everyone has stepped up and is doing their share. And we are now on a new journey!

One  thing that has really spoken to me through this journey is how blessed I am to have such amazing in-laws.  I am often asked why I would do what I do for my father-in-law, or how do I keep going?  I have had many a conversation with my husband, and have to say, I am blessed to be able to care for him.  I would have to say, the absolute number one thing that I have gotten from this man is unconditional love!  My in-laws have always been proud of who I am as a person, a daughter-in-law, a wife and mom. I have never felt that I have had to perform or be someone I am not to them.  I wholeheartedly know without a doubt that they are truly proud of me for who I am.  I have not done anything special to earn their love and respect.  They have truly shown it to me.  I absolutely love being in their home.  I always feel at home and can settle in and truly know it is where I belong.  And for that, I am truly grateful!  And so to answer the question of why I choose to do what I do and how I keep doing, how could you not do for someone who truly needs you and loves you and appreciates seeing you there with him and continue on this journey...only God gives us what we need and desire, and for now, I am proud to be the daughter-in-law that God has called me to.