Call me strange, but give me a load of laundry and I’ll delight in doing it.
But fill the sink with dishes, and delight is not the word that comes to mind.
I don’t like doing dishes. I never have.
Not only would I rather run from doing the dishes, I tend to allow dishes to ruin my attitude. Especially if they are dishes my husband dirtied.
This recently happened…
“Seriously?? He grills chicken on this indoor grill and I’m left with cleaning the grill plates? Doesn’t he see I have enough to do today? I bet I won’t even get a thank you for doing it.”
Delight did not attend my work here. Delight did not attend anything here.
This “Proverbs 31 Woman” seems to be the perfect woman, doesn’t she? I can’t even begin to try to measure up to her. But I can learn a thing or two from her.
I caught myself mid-plate.
“Julie, get a grip. Your husband grilled chicken for you and your family. You didn’t ask him to. He just did it to bless you. The least you can do is clean the grill plates.”
So I did. The negative attitude disappeared, and delight arrived.
Delight attended my work when I had the right attitude.
So often I don’t have the right attitude as I carry out my roles as wife and mother. But I’m thankful I don’t have to stay in those stinky attitudes. That’s one reason, I’ve found, to study scripture. When we fill our mind with it, our thinking begins to change, and when that happens, our attitudes follow.
Another thing I can learn from this woman is how she selects the finest wool, flax, and most likely the best food for her family.
I think we women probably do this pretty well. We want what’s best for our families, and we desire to give them the best. Whether it’s the yummiest-looking strawberries at the market, or the nicest bed sheets that fit in our budget. I may not spin, but I like to take care of my family. I imagine you do too.
One more thing that stands out in this passage: How she arrives home with food she’s carried from afar. She’s gone to great lengths to bless her family.
We can apply this in all areas of our life…our motherhood, wifehood, employment, etc. What lengths do we go to? What are we willing to do to bless our families and those around us? Even if it’s inconvenient? Even if we have to carry food “from afar?” What’s one thing you and I can do today?
Just by being you, you are a blessing. I pray today delight attends everything you do in your many roles. God bless you as you bless your family and others!
Julie
(We’re continuing our study of the “Proverbs 31 Woman” on this Woman to Woman Wednesday – #W2W. Linking up with Meredith and friends at www.4hisgloryblog.com.)
A good word to start the morning! May my heart’s attitude be one of gratefulness and filled with delight in whatever I do for my family and the Lord. Thanks, Julie.
Me too, Sabra. As I have many things ahead of me today to do, that is my prayer today too. Thank you, Sabra, for your continued encouragement. You are a blessing to me!
This is exactly what I needed to be reminded, Julie, “Delight attended my work when I had the right attitude.” And how you explain that scripture has a way of changing our minds which in turn changes our attitude. So even if I feel like I have no control over my attitude, if I let scripture soak in and steer my thoughts, my attitude will follow. I needed this today! All week, actually! Thank you for linking-up and sharing these wise words today. I love your heart and application to God’s word. Bless you friend, Meredith
Meredith, you are so sweet. Thank you for your words. I wonder if I’ll have get it all together. My attitude really stinks some days. But I’ve found a newer version of the Bible called The Voice, and it’s set up like God’s story. I’ve started reading it from the beginning, and each day, I’m finding it changes my perspective and attitude. I can’t wait to see what God teaches me each morning. It’s been powerful, and has changed my attitude immensely. I love your heart as well, sister! Glad we can journey together on this road!
Thank you for this, Julie! I don’t like doing the dishes either. Like you, it’s probably my least favorite task. But as you stated, when we focus on the blessing and maintain the right attitude, we can stop being complainers. I need to remember that.
I need to be reminded of it too, Abby. I guess that’s one reason for writing it. I don’t want to forget what God is teaching me. 🙂 Thank you for blessing me with your thoughts! Have a great day!
Thanks Julie! A right attitude is exactly what I need, and somehow serving others always makes this possible.
Boy, that’s true, Kasey. Serving others always makes this possible. That’s another blog post in itself! Great perspective! I’m glad we were able to link up on Meredith’s blog on W2W. Have a blessed day, friend!