Proverbs 31:15 “She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household
and portions to her maidens.”
and portions to her maidens.”
We’ve heard it before…the Proverbs 31 woman had help, hired help…maidens to assist her. Was that her secret? There are times I have been jealous of my friends who can afford a cleaning lady. I have wanted one, until I learned that you have to actually pick up your stuff for them to come in and clean. That is my problem, all the stuff that needs to be put away and sorted! If everything was picked up I don’t think I would have so much trouble cleaning.:) But, I digress.
To me, what sticks out in this verse is the rising early part. I used to get annoyed with all the sermons and talks about getting up early like Jesus seemed to do. But, then about a year and a half ago I realized the benefits of this. He actually knew what He was talking about- surprise, surprise.:)
You see, I am an introvert. Oh sure, I am out-going, but I get energized and refueled by being alone. I am a loud person, in a loud household, but I need some quiet in order to recharge. I was sleeping in and getting up after the kids and then I felt like I was playing catch-up the whole day. I was grouchy because I didn’t have any alone time. Not enough time to think or process. So I took the plunge and started getting up early. Not crazy early, but early enough to have some time to breathe before the day is in full swing.
I don’t always get up early, but when I do the day seems to have a better rhythm to it. Head over here for some more thoughts on waking your soul early.
To me, what sticks out in this verse is the rising early part. I used to get annoyed with all the sermons and talks about getting up early like Jesus seemed to do. But, then about a year and a half ago I realized the benefits of this. He actually knew what He was talking about- surprise, surprise.:)
You see, I am an introvert. Oh sure, I am out-going, but I get energized and refueled by being alone. I am a loud person, in a loud household, but I need some quiet in order to recharge. I was sleeping in and getting up after the kids and then I felt like I was playing catch-up the whole day. I was grouchy because I didn’t have any alone time. Not enough time to think or process. So I took the plunge and started getting up early. Not crazy early, but early enough to have some time to breathe before the day is in full swing.
I don’t always get up early, but when I do the day seems to have a better rhythm to it. Head over here for some more thoughts on waking your soul early.
Here’s the kicker. As I have discovered the gift of rising up early, I have neglected the other part of this verse…the giving food to my household. I have been waking up early to feed my soul but selfishly stop there. When the kids awake they probably feel like an annoyance or intrusion.
I want more time alone, I am not done writing, not done thinking. When I read Julie’s post I was inspired to try something different. But alas I haven’t yet. I want to stop “my time” a bit earlier so that I can greet my family with joy and maybe even prepare them breakfast sometimes too (instead of them fending for themselves).
Some people prefer to stay up late, others get up early, some of us are in-betweeners. But, I think the point here is, are we being selfish or are we taking care of the needs of those under our care? Oh, I can hear the feminists howling back at me right now. But what about your needs and your wants? You are not a slave. You are deserve someone to make you breakfast. But listen sister, I honestly don’t need help being any more selfish.:) I believe my role in my family helps me to be less selfish, when I stop resisting it.
There is strength found in showing restraint.
There is courage present when I entrust my needs to God.
There is fulfillment delivered when I extend myself on behalf of others.
Sure, it is hard work. I often I fall short and stink at it. But, isn’t that where grace finds us?
In the coming up short, and the loosing it.
And the trying again and apologizing and admitting we are (shock!) human after all.
Dear Lord, Please awaken my soul to know You more. Thank You for placing me here, where I can grow. Thank You for loving me even though I am selfish. Thank You for my family and for the daily opportunities to become more like You. Help me to rely on Your strength, guidance and grace. Thank You that You love me, whether or not I have a 3 course breakfast ready to serve my family. But thank You also that I can do that every once in awhile with the help that You provide. It’s really more about the heart Lord, isn’t it? This heart that You cause to beat. May it beat to the rhythm of grace and keep pace with Your Spirit and not my faulty agenda. Thank You that You never sleep, so that I can. Thank You that You long to spend time with me. Help me to rise up radiantly and run the course that You have lovingly set before me. Amen.
I want more time alone, I am not done writing, not done thinking. When I read Julie’s post I was inspired to try something different. But alas I haven’t yet. I want to stop “my time” a bit earlier so that I can greet my family with joy and maybe even prepare them breakfast sometimes too (instead of them fending for themselves).
Some people prefer to stay up late, others get up early, some of us are in-betweeners. But, I think the point here is, are we being selfish or are we taking care of the needs of those under our care? Oh, I can hear the feminists howling back at me right now. But what about your needs and your wants? You are not a slave. You are deserve someone to make you breakfast. But listen sister, I honestly don’t need help being any more selfish.:) I believe my role in my family helps me to be less selfish, when I stop resisting it.
There is strength found in showing restraint.
There is courage present when I entrust my needs to God.
There is fulfillment delivered when I extend myself on behalf of others.
Sure, it is hard work. I often I fall short and stink at it. But, isn’t that where grace finds us?
In the coming up short, and the loosing it.
And the trying again and apologizing and admitting we are (shock!) human after all.
Dear Lord, Please awaken my soul to know You more. Thank You for placing me here, where I can grow. Thank You for loving me even though I am selfish. Thank You for my family and for the daily opportunities to become more like You. Help me to rely on Your strength, guidance and grace. Thank You that You love me, whether or not I have a 3 course breakfast ready to serve my family. But thank You also that I can do that every once in awhile with the help that You provide. It’s really more about the heart Lord, isn’t it? This heart that You cause to beat. May it beat to the rhythm of grace and keep pace with Your Spirit and not my faulty agenda. Thank You that You never sleep, so that I can. Thank You that You long to spend time with me. Help me to rise up radiantly and run the course that You have lovingly set before me. Amen.
P.S. It’s your turn, go show others one of your encouraging blog posts, by linking-up with the Fabulous Five. Then go tell others what you thoughts of their posts with comments via the link-ups. The Fabulous Five are some of my favorite bloggers, including Meredith, Beth, Holley, Jennifer, and Rebekah. Check out their button links on the right sidebar of this blog.
Well, you have no clue how timely these words are for me THIS morning, friend. No clue. So I’ll just say they are timely. 😉 This, ” I am a loud person, in a loud household, but I need some quiet in order to recharge.” Yes, I’m a loud person in a loud household, too and yes, I need quiet. I need quiet so I can hear what HE has to say to me. And if I don’t get it or take it or seek it or find it, I lose it. Happens. Happened. And yes, when I do get up and get lost in my quiet time, I often still find myself wanting more in spite of littles needing food and hubs needing help. Sigh. Some days are better than others, but surely when I start focused on Him they go a lot smoother than when I don’t. Thank you for these words today and for linking-up. Love you!
Thanks Meredith for letting me know you can relate.:) Oh I have so many less-than-shining morning moments (and all throughout the day for that matter). I was reminded of the book “Practicing the Presence of God”- I want to live like that!:)
Love hearing different “takes” on Proverbs 31. I have always thought this particular scripture meant getting up early, feasting on the Living Bread, in order to serve our families not only the love of Christ but what we learn during those quiet times. Our nest is now empty and through the winter I became a slackard sleeping in – but truly the best for me is getting up early and spending moments with the Lord. Great post. Visiting from Simply Beth, 3 Word Wednesday.
Hi Susan- Thanks for stopping by. I actually wrote about feasting on His Word when I discussed Proverbs 31:14 (although verse 15 might have been a better fit) http://www.echoesofmyheart.com/blog/offer-them-food Happy Wednesday to you!:)
Oh yes, I have seen the benefits of getting up a little earlier. But do I? Of course not. 😉 I am definitely not a morning person, but this is a great reminder that we give ourselves time to soak into the Word by ourselves, our day can be so much better. I have seen it. I know it, I know it.
Hi Abby- I’m right there with you- why do we choose to not to do something that is a benefit? I have no clue. So glad for His grace!:)
What a beautifully written and honest reflection. Thank you so much for putting word to what I’ve struggled with so often. I love this line: “There is fulfillment delivered when I extend myself on behalf of others.” Grace indeed! #gracelinkup
Hi Karen- I am still struggling too- often. I write it and then I need to read my own posts and really let them sink it- ha!:)
Katie,
This is a timely, hard, good, needed word!
Thank you so much for sharing.
P. S. I have four littles, too. 😉
Hi Elise- Oh I am right there with ya- It is hard but there is so much grace. But there is also blessing when we are able to have some quiet moments first. NO guilt, just grace and asking for His help in this regard for us both.:)
Hello!! “I don’t need any help being selfish”. I started giggling. It’s not funny, but it kinda is. I started following a blog recently, thinking I’d get some tips on balancing life as a working mom. And I got a post on being selfish to be a better mom and thought, huh?
Oh but so much of this spoke to my soul. I get up at 4 am ( well, not today and I’m paying for it) and when my daughters were up, I’m sure they felt in the way. I didn’t even pack my oldest daughters lunch, but at least my hair looks great today (smacking my head).
But my daughters have grace for me and God does too, and Lord willing, I have another shot at it all tomorrow.
Oh Kirsten- There is so much grace, aren’t you glad?!:) I come up short A LOT, and my family lives me right through it. A gentle reminder for us all. It’s important to be recharged but I often take advantage of it and get greedy for more and more- in an unloving way.
Oh my!!! Loved this post and certainly saw myself in it!! Thanks for sharing and giving encouragement to share grace!!
Thank you Joy.
I needed the reminder of the balance of both portions of this verse. It is one thing to rise early, but not to neglect our family. I am guilty as charged. Katie, I needed to read these words. Thank you for sharing them. May God’s truth and grace penetrate into this heart of mine.
Me too Rebekah.:) Glad I’m not alone but praying for His help in this area.
Katie, this was a much needed message that I don’t think I realized how much I needed until I read. I’ve been waking up early for quite some time now. It seems to get earlier and earlier and my husband does say that will need to stop when he gets home. hehe. But…as I was reading what you shared I was convicted . . . I get caught up in my “me time” and can be selfish towards anyone who interrupts. That selfish word keeps appearing on me. I’ve even had mornings when my husband calls and I need to really remind myself to stop everything else and focus on him. I apparently need to pray about this one too. Btw, I’m so touched to be listed among your Fabulous Five. Thank you!!
Hi Beth- OH, I can relate. I am so bad at “Stopping everything else” to focus on my hubby and kids. Baby steps.:)
Oh, of all days! It was a struggle to get out of bed today, and another struggle getting on the road.
I am thinking about all of the applications of strength in restraint!
There is so much grace friend, so thankful.
Yes, I need no encouragement to be more selfish 😉 Great reminder!
Thanks Sarah, reminding myself too!
Thank you
You are most welcome Tara.:)