Hard Work

Proverbs 31:10-31 Message Translation

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. 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. Give her everything she deserves!

I really like the way this translation reads. I've using it more & more.

Lately I have been longing for a simpler way of life. Interesting how that means harder work. I want to know where my food comes from.

If I can't look at something, and tell what it's original form was, why do I want to put it in my body?

Why do I want to waste money on appliances doing what I can do? It's quite simple to hang my clothes on the line.

Why should I fill a landfill and waste money when I can wash a few diapers a week?

Why do I want to pay someone to make or grow my food? I don't even know this person or their hygiene practices.

People have been giving me a hard time about this lately. That's fine, I know that for the most part in America we are very accustomed to letting others do for us. But I wonder, is that the reason our country is in the shape it's in? Where is the work ethic and joy in knowing you can do something for yourself??

We are all too quick to throw around money and let someone else get their hands dirty. Could that money be spent feeding the poor instead?

I'm not by any means saying that I am perfect in this. I'm still working on it and I know it's a process. Its just something that I have become burdened with and thought I would share.