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First Thoughts? Last Thoughts?


She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls....She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy" (Proverbs 31:15 & 20).

 

            What comes to mind when you wake up before it's light or before the alarm clock goes off? OK, what come to mind after "bathroom"? Recently for me the thought both before I fall asleep and when I wake up is a plea that the day following my waking will be finally be the one in which I live according to God's will. This thought sounds good, spiritual and impressive, but it's not. It's my perfectionism rearing its ugly head. I want today to be the day when I get it so right that I don't need grace. No, I don't say that even to myself, but that's what it would take.
            Lemuel's mother advised him to choose a wife who has her priorities straight. This is equally good advice in choosing husbands, friends, and even employees. This wise woman makes her family and her employees her priority when she gets up. Those for whom she is responsible get attention first thing.
            Then, as the day progresses, she deals with the people who come to her with their various needs - people with their messy lives and inconvenient requests. who show up at the most inopportune moments without consideration of her feelings or plans. She welcomes them with open arms...after she  makes sure that her household is not in need.
            I don't think I'm so good at this. Sometimes, my father and my dog don't get as much attention as they probably need or deserve. Sometimes, I don't have very open arms with regard to those who need, usually because I don't think I have the  resources to give them. Sometimes it seems more important to pick up litter than it does to clean the bathtub.
            Note to self: tonight and tomorrow morning: skip asking for perfection and ask for grace, then walk in that.

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