Perfection: Redefined

I love this quote from Thomas Hardy because although the idea of being a perfect woman seems unachievable; having him redefine what it means to be a perfect woman in this quote suddenly makes it sound possible to be one. I will never be the most beautiful or most capable woman; an impossible dream that many of us still somehow trick ourselves into longing to be. That's why it is so dog-gone easy in our culture to envy women that radiate confidence; we can see their imperfections (and some we don't see) and yet they choose to not be defined by them. You go, girl! That is bold and brave andI want to give these women a "YES SIS, YES!" high five whenever I encounter one in the 'wild' (also known as the real, everyday, imperfect world)!

I will be the first to humbly admit, I will never be the perfect:

Wife

Mother

Daughter

Sister

Friend

Employee

Farmer

Farm Helper

Christian

Neighbor

See where I'm going with this? Perfect and me go together like oil and water...we don't! (And I am A-ok with that).

What I can't stand is the idea of being known as someone that doesn't try, give and (most importantly) love abundantly in any one of these roles.  While I will never be the poster child for any of the titles above, I hope I am always known as someone that cares and has nothing but good motives and a desire to give my best. If my effort, good intentions and God given ability somehow all come together full circle in everything that I do, than I know that MY best has been brought to the table and THAT is just the kind of perfection that I seek....a woman of noble character in God's eyes (a 'trying' Proverbs 31 woman).

A Proverbs 31 woman is:

• A hard worker (Proverbs 31:13, 27)
• A provider of food (Proverbs 31:14-15)
• Business savvy (Proverbs 31:17)
• Diligent with her daily tasks (Proverbs 31:17)
• Resourceful (Proverbs 31:19, 24)
• A planner (Proverbs 31:21-22)
• A woman of virtue (Proverbs 3:10)
• A woman who blesses her family (Proverbs 31:11-12, Proverbs 31:28)
• A diligent worker (Proverbs 31:17)
• A woman of compassion (Proverbs 31:20)
• A woman of wisdom (Proverb 31:26)
• A woman who honors and fears the Lord (Proverbs 31:30)

There are many character qualities that we can learn from the Proverbs 31 Women. The 'perfect' Proverbs 31 woman probably doesn’t exist and likely never has. No one could keep up the level of activity and work this lady puts in, after all. But this chapter gives us a list of praiseworthy characteristics for us to strive towards in our everyday lives, a guide post of how to be perfectly imperfect.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. -  Proverbs 31: 30-31