A Proverbs 31 woman!
I believe many of us are in for a big shock when we enter Paradise. I speak not just of seeing God and heaven as they really are, but of who receives the greatest rewards for a life lived by faith. I am convinced that the Father will lavish incalculable riches upon the mothers of the world who have sacrificed far more than they could ever be rewarded for on earth.
With obvious bias granted, I do not hesitate in honoring my wife, Kristen, as a woman that will "surpass them all" (Prov. 31:29). This post could never capture the amazing faith and sacrifice of my wife, but I will list a few that come to mind.
* Despite the uncomfortable stares, Kristen used to meet with girls in the dorms even when she was only weeks from giving birth. And she found that going into the dorms with a few month old baby proved to be a great way to meet people... and help her overcome postpartum depression.
* Before the days of Kirsten Hill, my wife took care of all the administrative tasks for the student group. I remember her coming into the student office, putting up a play pen for Rex and working late into the night. Once we got a computer at home, she would spend many late nights perfecting discussion group sheets, phone lists, calendars, and countless other tasks.
* Personal preference and skills aside, Kristen has willingly added the burden of personally homeschooling all of our kids and has done a great job! This has been among the hardest sacrifices she's ever had to make.
* Kristen has always had a strong "tom boy" streak in her. She's not the domestic, stay at home, and find your joy in life from raising kids type.... and yet that is how everyone knows her! She is living the call of Christ to "pick up your cross daily".
* I find it amusing when people hint that I am a workaholic citing all the things that I'm doing. Little do they know that I would be unable to do even half of what I do if Kristen was not quietly, faithfully doing research, creating power points, and taking care of errands for me. I create tons of work for her every day, yet I cannot remember a time when she has complained about it.
I could go on and just might if I get some more blogging time this week, because "a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Prov. 31:30). Kristen -my wife, my kids' mom, a servant of all- is definitely worthy of that. Her children and her husband will rise up and call her blessed and praise her, but nowhere near as much as her heavenly Father. He is the one she is really living for.
Comments
"she would spend many late nights perfecting discussion group sheets"--Well, somebody had to correct all the glaring spelling errors! I'm remembering those discussion groups now and I want to say I'm thankful for you (both) for putting those together. They were a central part of my group of friends in college, giving us something serious to discuss instead of just talking about STTNG all the time.
Posted by: Scott at May 8, 2007 08:58 AMI'm not meaning to take away at all from the praise that our sisters deserve (because they're due way more than we can give!), but I do have a question regarding one of your comments.
You say, "I am convinced that the Father will lavish incalculable riches upon the mothers of the world who have sacrificed far more than they could ever be rewarded for on earth." This reminds me of something I've pondered for some time and not gotten a satisfactory answer (from myself or others). Jesus talked about storing up treasures in heaven, but other than that verse, on what basis do you think we will be rewarded with a reward above and beyond heaven itself? I suppose there is also the verse about those who give up families, job's, etc for the kingdom and how they will receive more than they give up...but that doesn't conclude the question for me.
I'm not trying to argue, it's a genuine question! It seems right and just to me that those that sacrifice more for the kingdom will be rewarded more, but I'd like a more concrete justification for that than just a feeling. Any other verses or passages come to mind?
I tend to think the grace I've been given is reason enough for me to sacrifice for Jesus, and I'm not looking for more motivation. I've never felt quite right when people talk about storing up treasures in heaven when they or others have done a good deed. It seems to go against free grace if there is a reward system instituted once we enter into that grace.
In light of your message on Sunday, enlighten me!
Posted by: Dan at May 8, 2007 09:38 AMGood to see you thinking deep thoughts, Dan... slow day at work? :-)
I don't know how many Scriptures a guy needs before you can take it as gospel truth, pun intended, but as far as your question is concerned I'd just go to Matthew 6.
Here's an example:
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Jesus repeats the idea of being rewarded by your Father three times in this chapter. I suspect a simple Bible search could come up with even more examples than that. Hope that helps. And thank your mother this week.
Posted by: Tim at May 8, 2007 11:01 PMYea!!My Mom is the best teacher\Mom there is! And i'm not joking!i could go on for hours talking about how great My Mom is.=)(she really is the best to me anyway)
Posted by: Nina Borseth at May 12, 2007 09:43 AM