Day 372 - Isaiah 65.1-16 & Proverbs 31.10-31

 Michelle

This reading is titled Judgment and Salvation.  It goes on throughout about those that do not seek God and what will happen to them.  In the last verse God says all past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from his eyes for those that seek him.  

I have often heard and read women talk about being a Proverbs 31 woman.  Reading this passage it feels like we all strive to be this woman but it can get exhausting.  I say that because it comes with little to no recognition of your efforts and that can cause you to feel unappreciated.  I know we shouldn't be looking for recognition in this respect, but I can't deny that even I wish those around me saw the work I put in to maintain what we have, even though it's not up to their high standards.  I am not perfect but the woman in this reading sure seems to be.  I guess though, the point being made here is that she serves God and therefore serves her family and those she comes into contact with which is honoring God.  There is a devotional attached to this passage and one of the thought questions is, How many different types of people did her daily life and ministry touch, and How might you underestimate the many lives you touch each day.  This made me think of mom.  When we had her memorial, there were so many people there.  I know some were there to support Dad as well, but some of the ones that I talked to or that spoke, talked about how she impacted their lives.  I don't think she knew that she had touched or impacted that many people's lives.  I don't know if she wanted or needed the recognition or acknowledgement for it, but I personally find that I seek that from my boys and don't get it.  I need to stop focusing on that though is what I am getting at.  It's not the point of all of it, but the point is to serve God with our whole selves and serving our families is one way we do that.  Striving to be this kind of woman is hard for me in some ways, but is something I will add to my goals anyway.  

Julie

I can't think of much more to say than what you did about that part of the reading.

I will agree that it is hard to be this kind of woman. We do have a desire to be noticed and not maybe necessarily for what we have done, but really just to be noticed. I don't do the things I do for recognition and most of the time don't want it, but there are occasions where I too wish someone would notice the work I put in.