I feel truly blessed that the good Lord saw fit to give me the gift of mothering four daughters and one son. These sweet gifts are grown AND are now, 39, 37, 34, 31, and 28. Each one continues to hold a special place in my heart and soul. Daily, even though my time now with them is limited [because they are living their lives with their wonderful families]. I continue to pray for them and think of them. What mother doesn't think of her child daily and it doesn't soften with the passing of time or distance. It changes, but in a good way! I am extremely proud of each one. My husband and I together balanced rearing them throughout childhood and into adulthood. Then we let go..........
As I think of our daughters, I think of their femininity and the lovely qualities that have emerged from their lives and the women they are and continue to become today. How did and how does this happen? Our investments in our children as their parents began with one decision. We desired TO BE with them as much as possible when they were growing up. These daily acts of providing for their physical, emotional, spiritual and educational needs contributed to the whole and wonderful people they have become. Other people invested in them as well to make them whole. There is so much I could say about parenting, but I was thinking this morning about the beauty of a woman who is feminine. Yes, I was a mother who taught my girls the beauty of being feminine.
One of my most favorite books and one which was made years ago into a film is REBECCA! There is a quote about REBECCA, the person, who is mysterious and actually never seen in the book and film, only described as "The most beautiful creature ever seen". Of course, this description was of her physical beauty. As I think about beauty, I think of what it means in relation to being feminine. There are all sorts of role models.....so, we have to be careful in where we look when we look for the woman we hope to become. It is wise to think deeply about whose ideals you follow. It is true, we must all choose our own paths.....this is good and this right and if you prayerfully ask for guidance for help in making wise choices, God will give it to you and me.
By nature, I am a feminine woman. I enjoy spending some time each day in quietness reading and listening to God's words from the Bible. I talk with HIM in prayer and give HIM my burdens and my prayer request for my family and for others who have asked me to pray for them. This helps me to empty myself of me......such a renewing action I am thankful to experience each day. I don't want to be the center of my life because GOD is the center of my life. I have learned over many years that emptying ones self before God gives a JOY that radiates from the soul. No amount of beauty cream, exercise, health food, job, or education can provide what God wants us to have as a free gift! Trust me, I have learned this the hard way sometimes! :) We must choose wisely who we follow and how we lIve and love. Our faces will soften, our voices will soften, and our expectations will soften. You can be a strong and feminine woman without being forceful and harsh.....qualities which are not feminine and just plainly not attractive in a woman.
In the Proverbs, in chapter thirty one, there is a beautiful passage about a virtuous wife. I wish all young women could read this. It begins by asking a thoughtful question...."Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies." It goes on and on about this industrious woman. She gives without expectation to the needy. Her tongue is kind. Her children rise up and bless her. Strength and honor are her clothing. This beautiful woman has the feminine qualities as a mother, I pray, continue to develop throughout the lives of my own daughters and.......even more importantly...... I pray they teach them to their own daughters so that the legacy of womanhood lives on as God intended. It gives us something to think about......doesn't it? Everyday, my friend, is a beautiful gift! May you enjoy yours!
