Proverbs 31:17-18,  She gathers her strength around her and throws herself into her work.  She sees that her business affairs go well; her lamp stays lit at night. (TCJSB)

It’s a fresh start for a new week so let’s attack the wee with a “can-do Spirit” that if God has brought us to the place we are then we can do whatever He has given us to do, from the most menial task to that monumental one, He has given us what we need and we are able! The Proverbs 31 woman has not always been a welcome topic because too often women seem to feel like they will never measure up when they read it.  For some reason, I see this chapter as encouraging.  The verses above are encouraging because clearly, everything didn’t always just fall into place for her, she had to gather her strength around her which implies that she knew it wasn’t always going to be easy and there were going to be some long nights sometimes in order to make sure things were done right. She planned for her future and she was willing to work to accomplish all that God gave her to do.  

She kept balance in her home.  Verses 25-28 say,  “Clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come.  When she opens her mouth, she speaks wisely; on her tongue is loving instruction.  She watches how things go in her house not eating the bread of idleness.  Her children arise, they make her happy, her husband too, as he praises her.”  

~ In order to truly be clothed with strength and dignity you need to walk with God and spend time with Him asking for His wisdom and strength for each day.

~ She thinks about what she is going to say, she doesn’t just say whatever comes to mind and she speaks from a loving heart that knows God.  She is kind!

~ She doesn’t sit around waiting for things to fall into place she perseveres through the tough times and knows that she can laugh when things don’t fall into place, because her hard work will pay off and that day will come if she doesn’t give up!

~ She takes the time to enjoy her family.

We all have something that God has given us to do and His desire is to use all that you do for His glory.  He will give you the strength you need.  He will give you wisdom.  He will give you the people and resources you need to accomplish what He created you to accomplish.  So, whether you are a stay at home Mom, a CEO of a company, you have a ministry, a hair stylist, teacher, or your own business, the list goes on and on, you can do it if you will wrap yourself up in His strength and you seek His wisdom for it all and keep a balance in life that will honor God. Make sure that He always has first place in your life!  Persevere when things get tough and they don’t go your way.  Trust God and ask Him what you may need to learn during those times.  Don’t focus on the difficult times focus on God and His leading.  

Take care of yourself!  You cannot be efficient in everything else if you don’t take care of yourself.  

I think this note from my Complete Jewish Study Bible explains it very well:

“But who is this capable woman?  She is a woman who is attentive to herself and to those around her.  Her heart is bound up in the well-being of others.  She is creative and resourceful, and she radiates beauty in her own unique way.  She cares for herself, but she knows she is more than just a physical body; she emanates this beauty from her soul as well, in servitude and in love.  She is fully aware of her place in the plan of God, seizing each moment with intention.  This practical and spiritual woman aligns her thoughts, body, and actions for the sake of heaven.  She approaches life with fortitude and presses forth despite obstacles.  She might be single, she might be married, she might work in the home, she might be a corporate executive, she might be a teenager or a grandmother.  Whoever she is, she is the eschet chayil:  the woman who strives to live a full life of service to God.”

Quote:  “The man on the mountaintop didn’t fall there!”  ~ Anonymous