Proverb Gal is a mommy and her children are singing her praises with their dear ol’ dad.
“Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
“Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.” Proverbs 28-29
What was Proverb Gal’s “parenting style” to get that kind of response from the kiddos?
Four passages give us a glimpse into our well rounded gal.
Proverb Gal is a parent 24/7
“She rises also while it is still night, And gives food to her household.” Proverbs 31:15
Anyone who has munchkins quickly learns that the job of being a parent means on-call all.the.time.
I kind of knew this before I became a parent, but I didn’t realize how much my presence as “mom” would be needed. At first, because of sheer exhaustion, I resented my new on-call position. But I learned that it’s the little things I do to provide comfort and relief to the pains of growing up that shapes my child’s future forever. Wiping a nose, changing a diaper, or calming an achy tummy is important to the kingdom of God. My presence is still needed even though my children are older. When they call or visit, I stop everything and do the same thing I did when they were little; I listen, meet a need, and provide comfort. Thankfully, I am beyond wiping their noses, but I can’t resist spitting on my thumb and rubbing off a smudge off their face.
As I read this verse, I picture Proverb Gal silhouetted by the glow of an oil lamp bending over her child and quietly meeting her child’s needs. Was she frazzled? Was she tired? The verse doesn’t indicate. I’m going to conclude that the answer is irrelevant. What I feel like doing (like going back to bed) doesn’t enter the equation when it comes to raising children.
So what do I do when I hit the proverbial parental wall or at times, the real wall? My real feelings are saved for my partner-in-parenting, my hubby or another older wiser mom who I can secure sound mommy advice from. I also keep a simple schedule knowing that I am always on-call.
Parenting is service above self.
No Fear-Based Parenting for Proverb Gal
“She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.” Proverbs 31: 21
What a beautiful picture! Sometimes our children have to face storms and snow storms are the worst! But Proverb Gal looks at the storm and says to her children as she bundles her brigade, “No worries you’re all covered, warm, and protected. You face that storm. I’ll be here when you get back.”
Oh, how I love the confidence that Proverb Gal has in how she has prepared her children. No helicopter parenting here.
No doubt, she is content that her kids have heard her instruction and admonitions.
No doubt, she is giving them the opportunity to practice what they have learned without hand-holding.
No doubt, she is a praying gal. The only way you become a No-Fear Parent is by prayer and letting go.
Of course, Proverb Gal has accessed that her child’s skill level is adequate and has said to quietly to herself, let’s see what my baby boy or baby girl can do.
Love believes.
Our love for our children needs to say with a smile, “I believe you got this my little off-spring.”
What Does Proverb Gal Say?
“She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31: 26
Proverb Gal speaks!
Finally!
What’s coming out of her mouth?
Wisdom-the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment
Kindness-the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
What kid wouldn’t sing mom’s praises when wisdom and kindness are flowing like a river. This a stark contrast to my sometimes raised voice or sour pussy face I give my kids when I’m at my wits’ end.
I wonder if Proverb Gal ever “lost it”?
And if she did, did she justify it, consult her Facebook friends to affirm “those kids had it coming”?
Did she re-tell the story with theatrical energy to her friends at the local market in front of her kids?
In all the verses about Proverb Gal, I can surmise she did not shirk personal responsibility.
I bet if she did, “lose it”, she would bring the matter to her child in private and ask for forgiveness…
…because that falls under the categories of wisdom and kindness.
I’m Watching You Child; Are You Watching Me?
“She looks well to the ways of her household And does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31: 27
Proverb Gal oversees each part of her homestead and makes sure needs are met, and little ones are getting instruction with wisdom and kindness. Her home is a safe place to work out troubles and temptations without shame or ridicule.
Proverb Gal is no carbo-loaded-slug. She is a mover and a shaker, but she’s not, I repeat not, flitting around with meaningless tasks. She chooses her priorities wisely. She lives out her decisions in front of her children. “Watch-me-and-do-what-I-do” stamps lessons of value on the heart of our children without a word.
Selah Time
(*Selah: Calmly pause, ponder, pray, and plan)
Print: well-rounded-gal-parenting-pdf
From Our Home to Yours,
Follow, share, and invite other beautiful ladies as we look at each area and go on a discovery dive into the depths of His love, His grace, and His truth for us women.
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17
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