and she will greatly enrich his life....
22She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders...
28Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her: Proverbs 31, NLT)
So many times, this passage is used to honour women, as it was meant to. Today, I had a surprise visit from my Dad, running an errand for my Mom, as she had a prior commitment and she wanted to get this done, too. We had a short, distant visit. I'm convinced there's not enough time in the world to visit my loved ones, I just love them so much and love spending time with them. This passage came across my mind and heart, after he left. Yes, my Mom is a blessing, this child does rise and call her blessed (stand and bless her, according to the NLT). :) My Mom is a hard-working, wonderful, kind woman of faith whom I love dearly. There's not enough time in the world to visit with her, because I love her so much and love spending time with her. But my focus was directed to verse 23, "well known at the city gates, ..." The men at the city gates were the political leaders, business leaders, etc respected men who made significant decisions from "the city gates". My Dad is a life-long farmer, businessman, and respected by many. He's spent many years as a greeter at church, which makes me think of a more modern "city gate". I feel very blessed, having "virtuous" parents. As for verse 28, sure, I call my parents a blessing and I seek to bless them. Aside from that, I also had the thought of how comfortable children have to be with their parents to be in that position. Not every parent/child relationship is that comfortable. There are people who outright hate their parents or children. How sad. That is not how life was meant to be. I know that as a parent, I have made many terrible mistakes. I love my children dearly and wish I could go back and fix all my mistakes from over the years. Of course, it's not fully possible. We must do all we can! "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:18, ESV) Especially for our family! <3 Seek God's help in this, it's important! <3