Forest Gump’s mama said, “Life is like a box of chocolates.”
I tend to think of life as like a trophy case. A trophy case in which I place all the important things: family, career, hobbies, and God. I love my family and do what I must to provide for them. I’ve worked hard at various jobs. When I have free time, hobbies restore my physical and mental health. And then there’s God who gets the first-fruits of my time and energy.
Up before my family and making their breakfast, my day as a stay-at-home dad starts early. Struggling with the kids at bedtime, my day ends late. In between breakfast and bedtime, I spend three to four hours in the parade of minivans and SUVs picking up and dropping off my son at school, caring for my three-year-old daughter, and trying to accomplish some of the never-ending duties: washing dishes, doing laundry, and picking up toys. Things that make it difficult to focus on the eternal picture rather than the minutia of daily life.
Proverb 31 defines the characteristics of a good wife. The proverb is filled with enculturated, gendered statements such as “She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places.” But a set of virtues sits behind the proverb. Virtues like trustworthiness, generosity, organization, beauty, and charm. All of which apply equally to men and women.
The writer touts the traits as desirable, yet shows the fleeting nature of beauty and charm in opposition to the more desirable virtue: living in the fear of God. Beauty and charm, which are representative of the entire list of human traits—including those not listed—are placed in their proper relative position as supportive roles.
Fear-of-God living entails honoring God. Our behaviors can either honor God or be exercised in our own vanities. Thoughtfully navigating our days is important. In the moment, when we are disciplining kids or having a disagreement with loved ones, we need to focus on doing all we do in ways that honor our Savior. We need to ensure all our trophies point to the one that reads “1st Place Servant of Christ.”
Make fear-of-God living your daily goal.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Inspiring.