Today was “International Women’s Day.” I disagree with many of the ultra-feminist goals of this day, but I certainly am thankful for my life as a woman and wish for other women around the world to enjoy such joy.

I would not be the woman I am today were it not for numerous graces for which I give thanks.

• I am thankful for the wonderful education I received from childhood into adulthood.
• I am thankful for the freedom I enjoy in America to receive such an education.
• I am thankful for a quick mind, a gift from God, that allows me to remember and understand even a portion of all this information I have received.
• I am thankful for a strong and able body, another gift from God, that has allowed me many pain-free years.
• I am thankful for the gifts of sight, speech, and hearing, treasures that not everyone enjoys here on earth.
• I am thankful for hard working parents who loved me and modeled life well for me.
• I am thankful for a husband who works diligently to provide for us, so I can tend to the needs of our household.
• I am thankful for the gift of motherhood. I wouldn’t be half the woman I am today without each of my children – those with me on earth and those who have preceded me to heaven.
• I am thankful for all my sisters whether by marriage, by blood, or by faith, who have poured into me and encouraged me.

Proverbs 31 is a song of encouragement from a mother to her son on the value of a wife. Each of us should aspire to such diligent service to our husband, children and community, but ultimately to God, the giver of every good gift.

Many thanks to God, and to all the men and women, who have shaped me to be who I am today. May we have hearts full of thanksgiving, as we speak and serve with the grace God has given to us.

Proverbs 31:10-31 ESV

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.

She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.

She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.

She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.