The Proverbs 31 Woman - Part 5

Remember that I wrote this a few years ago, but rather than update it, I'll leave the potty-training references for those of you who are in that stage, although I am moving towards the student-driver stage. Which one is scarier? I'll let you know!

Repeated again: The Proverbs 31 woman is a WORKER.

v. 17 says
She girds herself with strength,
And makes her arms strong.

How many of you are stronger now than you were before you had kids? Toting around 30 pounds on one arm while pushing a grocery cart with the other is no longer such a big deal to me. God seems to give us a natural strength to get things done that maybe we never thought we could.

Again, the Proverbs 31 woman is a WORKER.

v. 18 says
She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.

If I could leave you with only one thought today, it would come from this verse. The Proverbs 31 woman “senses that her gain is good:” She knows that what she is doing is important! What you are doing today, matters for a lifetime! It may seem at times to be monotonous: household chores mixed up with tea parties and potty training, but it is all important. You are training your child. Some things you are consciously training and some things you are unconsciously training, but everything you do will have an effect on your child.

Think about how much more like your mother you are now than when you were, say, thirteen years old. Your children will be like you too. You can help them to be hard-working, loyal, loving, friendly, and devoted to God. Your example is a HUGE influence on their life -- positive or negative.

Just understanding that gives me reason to keep going. Sometimes I really feel like I’ve had it. In fact, just last week I had this strong feeling that life as a mom was too tough for me. But, then I have to think, what example am I showing Holly and Elijah? I don’t want them to quit when the going gets tough. I don’t want them to complain and whine either, like Mommy does!

Oh, the Memories

This article was originally printed in my MOPS group's "Pitter Patter" newsletter in March 2000 when my children were 3 and 1.  If it is any consolation for those who are in the throes of potty training, I had forgotten all about this day!

It was one of those mornings where I had a big agenda.  We needed to run some errands.  I had been cooped up in the house for several days due to car trouble and this was my chance to start catching up on life on the outside.

I wanted to sandwich in four stops before nap-time struck.  I packed juice and bottles, and extra clothes for my potty-training three year old, Holly, and diapers for my toddler, Elijah.  Cool weather forced us to take a little longer to bundle up in jackets, but still we were making pretty good time.

We dropped off cute baby photo negatives with the developer.  Check.

We made two deposits at the bank.  Check.  We were really clicking along. Maybe we would have time to swing by McDonald’s for a little snack and playtime.  Let me be the hero today.

“But, first, let’s go to the craft store to get supplies for that Sunday School project.” Well, I found one thing on the list.  “How ‘bout one last stop and then, I promise, we can go get something to eat.”

Party City.  I needed “gummy worms” to complete my daughter’s Sunday School snack plans.  They had them.  This was a breeze.

Yes, a breeze with an odor.  My son decided it was time for a potty break.  I drove the cart down the aisle to the back of the store and checked out the situation.  Two large unisex restrooms.  So far, so good.

Trying to be quick and cool, rather than practical, I had thrown one diaper and one travel wipes box into the cart -- no need to lug in a whole diaper bag.

A peek through the open restroom door confirmed the sad fact, no diaper changing table.  “Oh well, we’ve changed you on the floor before, haven’t we, big guy?”  Holly looked doubtful.  “Mommy can handle it.”

I pulled Elijah’s jacket off and laid it down for padding under his head.  Then the struggle began.  My sweet little boy did not want to lay down.  He struggled and screamed until I had to throw one leg over top of his body to hold him down while I deftly removed the diaper.

Gush.

Suddenly, the floor, his clothes, and my sweater were wet.  My daughter said, “I told you not to change him on that floor.”

I was no longer the hero.  I was upset and frustrated.  I ripped his clothes off, threw on a new diaper and tried to clean up the toxic waste spill the best I could with paper towels while keeping Elijah from dipping his fingers in the toilet bowl.  I hadn’t brought in any clean clothes, so I had to put his jacket on over his bare chest and zip it up. I had to put shoes on bare little feet.

“Let’s get out of here -- now!” Why is it, I wondered that I always go a half hour too long? I am sure the people we passed by were wondering why I chose to dress my son in practically nothing on such a chilly day.  Bad mom.

“Pride goeth before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). I realized I was relying on myself to figure out what was best.  I thought I could handle it on my own. God -- and Elijah -- proved me wrong again.

I need help.

I need God’s help for patience, strength and endurance. I get that through prayer.

I need my family’s help. I can’t face 24 hour shifts of care-taking on my own. I need my husband and babysitters to take charge sometimes.

I need to listen to wise counsel -- after all, Holly told me not to go in there.

I need to relax.  I really don’t have to accomplish everything in one day. That last errand could have waited.

I need friends.  People like you who read this and say, “Yeah, you think that’s bad? You should have seen when I took my kids to...”

Thanks for listening. Thanks for understanding.