Finding Balance…and the Proverbs 31 Woman

I’ve always been fascinated with the “Proverbs 31 woman”. For those of you unfamiliar with her, she is written about in the Bible in the book of Proverbs…chapter 31. The scene is a King remembering what his mother taught him regarding a wife of noble character. She is something else…in fact she is the definition of “perfect” in my mind. She does things like:

• Rise early (while her family is still sleeping) to prepare for the day
• She purchases land (i.e. is a smart business woman)
• She not only makes her own clothes, she also dyes them a beautiful shade of purple

…and on and on it goes.

I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with her. On the one hand, I want so much to be like her…on the other, she just makes me madder than a hornet. How in the world does she do it all anyway??

About 5 years ago, I came across a book. The title escapes me right now, but it was something original like… “How to be a Proverbs 31 Woman”.  Hallelujah. I thought I could get some of my questions answered.

As I began reading it, I was fascinated to learn some historical context of those days.

However, with each passing chapter, the author described how she interpreted the specifics of “how to”… One chapter was about using {every cotton pickin’ second of the day} time always, to work…

“As you get weary in the evening, and want to sit down to rest, tell yourself, ‘Work just 5 minutes more’, and keep repeating that. You’ll be surprised how much more you can do when you think you’re tired.” (That, by the way, is NOT a direct quote.)

It didn’t take too many days of trying to put to practice the specifics of this book, that I was overcome with anxiety. I felt like a complete and utter failure. I was grumpy, irritated, and snapping at the very people – ironically – that I loved the most. You know, the ones I wanted to “rise up and call me blessed”! I was exhausted. Sheerly. Exhausted.

“Oh, Honey,” my husband  said one night, “Would you please stop reading that book? You’re driving us all crazy!”

Not only did I stop reading it…I actually threw it away. (Gasp!)

***

Balance in life is a constant, daily struggle. People have said to me, in different ways, “How do you have time for that crafting, blogging, decorating, etc…and still have time for your family?”

Want to know my secret of how I do it…perfectly?  {Drum roll, please…}  I don’t! The house is sometimes a tee total mess.

Sometimes we eat cold cereal and toast for supper. Sometimes I’m so deeply immersed in paint and wood and fabric that I’m oblivious to the fact that it’s even supper time!

I do try not to make all those scenarios happen on a daily basis, though. When I find myself becoming overwhelmed with a mind full of anxiety wrapped around the “to do” list, I have to step back, breathe, and try to get my priorities in order.

Meal time is a huge struggle for me. I don’t really like to cook…And when I have fun projects on the go, it’s even harder to do it. Freezer meals help with that…But do I always get them done? Nope.

So, what is my point in all this? Don’t sweat it if you can’t figure things out overnight. Keeping working at it. Tweak your schedule till it is “sweet” for you and your family. Then adjust when things aren’t working.

I have been filled with joy to realize that I have a passion for this blogging, crafting, and decorating stuff.

And the other joy? My family supports me in it all. (And really appreciates it when I remember to cook for them!)

Here in Canada this weekend, we’re thinking “Thanksgiving”.

 

I’m thankful my family.

(and they’re thankful that turkey dinner is on its way!)

P.S.  If you want to read more about balancing blogging and every day life, this article at All Things Thrifty is a really good one!