Proverbs 31

Lately I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be a good wife, and mother, and friend.  Yes, I love my husband, and I support him.  My kids are my life, literally, since I am a stay at home mom.  But, I could do better in all areas of being a good wife and mother.  While looking around on Pinterest the other night I seen a pin that had Proverbs 31 under it.  It was like a light bulb went off in my head.  Below is what The Message has for Proverbs 31.

 ^10-31 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!
Festoon her life with praises!

While reading this, I was happy at all of the areas that I do.  I do sew.  I do cook.  I do clean.  I do lend a hand at times.  But, after reading this a few times, I see areas where I need help.  Help that I know will not come from anywhere other than God.  At times, I am "too busy" for my kids.  I want to stop that.  I want to savor every moment with them.  I want to put the computer away, and let them sit in my lap.  I want to color with them.  Play dress up with them.  Have patience with them. 

As for my husband.  Of course I love him.  But, there are times when I am not generous with him.  Times when I am "too tired" to do that one small thing that he asked of me that day.  I do not want to be spiteful of him.  Times when I feel like I have had a bad day, and don't finish cleaning or making supper.  I want to be a better housewife.  I want to put myself aside, and be a Proverbs 31 wife.