It's A Bird, It's a Plane, It's...

Have you ever felt like you are expected to do it all?  Wife, mom, cook, dish washer, laundry service, cleaning lady, dog walker, chauffeur, tutor, fashion expert, hair stylist, dental hygienist, story teller, nutritionist, t.v./movie/computer monitor, referee, and comforter...

Every time I read Proverbs 31, I find myself more and more frustrated that I just can't do it all.  Some times I feel like a failure because there is no way I can be "Super Mom."  

Proverbs  31:10-31

A good woman is hard to find,

   and worth far more than diamonds.

(You got that right Solomon!)

Her husband trusts her without reserve,

   and never has reason to regret it.

Never spiteful, she treats him generously

   all her life long.

(Oh geez, my whole life long…NEVER spiteful?  I’ve got work to do!)

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,

   and enjoys knitting and sewing.

(I like to shop for a bargain and don’t mind simple sewing projects)

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places

   and brings back exotic surprises.

(I wish I could sail away some days…)

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast

   for her family and organizing her day.

(I need to get better at this one…If I would get up just 15 min. before the kids, I’d have more time to get it all done.)

She looks over a field and buys it,

   then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

(I actually did this one!)

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,

   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

(Some days I’m not as eager as others, and there has been a time or two where I stayed in my jammies)

She senses the worth of her work,

   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

(Does a mom EVER get to call it quits for the day?)

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,

   diligent in homemaking.

(I dig the craft part, but need to focus on the homemaking part…cleaning can be worship…just need to refocus)

She's quick to assist anyone in need,

   reaches out to help the poor.

(Sometimes I could stand to be a little quicker and could probably reach out a little further)

She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;

their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

(I'm not too far off on this one.)

She makes her own clothing,

   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

(This was written before malls and industrialization, right?)

Her husband is greatly respected

   when he deliberates with the city fathers.

(Well, at least with the rail road fathers)

She designs gowns and sells them,

   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

(Maybe I could start selling some of the stuff I make…I’ve been told to sell my jewelry, but I usually do it for fun and gifts)

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,

   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

(Got to work on ALWAYS part)

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,

   and she always says it kindly.

(Boy do I have a lot to improve upon here!)

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,

   and keeps them all busy and productive.

(I can keep them busy for sure!)

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.

(This is what I'm trying to be aware of when dealing with Kendall and her love of all things Princesses)

Give her everything she deserves!

   Festoon her life with praises!

Well, there you have God's idea of the "perfect woman."  Thankfully He doesn't expect that I'll be perfect, but has given me the model to strive for in my daily living.  There are just some days that I wonder if I can take any more. I carry all of the stress of the family on my shoulders...well, that's partially true.  Andy stresses over work because he's financially taking care of the family now that I no longer work.   But there are times when I just feel like I can't do it all.  

I wish this picture was of me.  Look at the calm on her face.  She knows she can handle all of it...and it looks like her life is more hectic than mine...she's got a TEENAGER!  

I guess when it comes down to it, all that REALLY matters is that I put God first in my life.  It only matters if He thinks I'm doing my best...I think these next few weeks I'm going to have to lean on His strength more and less of my own.  That's the only way I'm going to shake the feeling of just barely being able to keep my head above water.  

You'd think after all that I've been through in my married life, I'd have this all figured out by now?!?!?!