She watches over the affairs of her household

With spring in the air the birds are making their way to our bird feeder.  Their sweet song is thrilling first thing in the morning.

The blue jays have also returned, and are not as happy to see the competition for the food.  They swoop in to scare the smaller birds away, and squawk at each other trying to intimidate the others away from their territory.

The unbidden image of my mother and I squawking at each other makes me sad.  I close my eyes to guard against the tears and ask forgiveness for a wayward tongue.

"She is clothed in with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her household."  Proverbs 31:25-27

According to the dictionary dignity means ~ bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of self-respect or appreciation of the formality or gravity of an occasion or situation.  How mournful Christ must be when a wayward tongue rules our lives. The intercessor and preparer of a place for us in heaven must wonder at the zeal in which we live as He has directed.  For most of us doing a good deed is easier and takes less strength than guarding our words.

Letting go of bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness is a difficult task when we concentrate so much on the injustice. Words can hurt or they can uplift.  How we use them is important as wives and mothers.  With one sentence we can damage our children's self-esteem, or undermine our relationship with our spouse.

As this week of homeschool came to a close I had to look at my attitude, ask forgiveness, and seek help from the Lord.  My family is quick to forgive and show their love for me even as I loose control of my wayward mouth.

Though it may seem difficult, and our memories are short, A Woman of Noble Character shows strength and dignity by using wise words, and watches over the affairs of her household by guarding the hearts of the ones they love with laughter and faith.