Proverbs 31

So I have never been a fan of Proverbs 31 as I thought it was an unrealistic expectation of a woman. BUT today I was so convicted by it. I have been reading a devotional book called Women of the Bible... in fact I have been going through this book for years and have always avoided this section, until today. I decided to read it as I love the way the writer puts a new light to the women in scripture.
Oh man how wrong I was about the Proverbs 31 woman and man was I only reading the surface of this story. I always read it as a woman who got up early, sewed clothing, bought things to honor her husband, did whatever her husband needed, and basically was a people-pleaser who just had to make everyone happy in spite of her own happiness. BUT today when I read it I realized something... she didnt do these things in spite of her happiness but instead these things brought her great joy! She was a woman who never wanted to waste a moment of the day the Lord had given her. She wanted to do everything she could to please the One who had given her breathe. Everything she did was to bring honor to God. When ever she was working in the home it was so that the Lord could be honored through her. Not only that but she wanted to allow her husband to share in the honor of God so she made sure his things were in order too.
Wow I am so convicted. I have so often looked at this woman as an unrealistic expectation of some man. I mean I know it was written in the bible, but honestly I looked at it as a man's idea of the perfect woman. BUT after reading it tonight I realize this is God's plan for not only women but men. He wants all of us to spend our days pleasing Him. Spend our time wisely, not wasting the precious moments He has given us with those around. Whever that means providing clothing for our household, making healthful dinners to feed our family, or going to work to bring a paycheck  home to provide a shelter and food for our family. Everything we do should bring honor to God.
So in light of what I have read and been convicted of I am making a plan for this new year. My plan is pretty simple, but something I think will benefit my life, my husbands, my soon to be baby's, and everyone around me's life, and that is to really understand who this woman in Proverbs 31 is. Not only understand her but focus my life on living each moment to the fullest and not wasting so much of the time God has entrusted me with. Cause lets face it, I waste a lot of time each day and I know my husband will be greatly blessed if I spend more time focusing on pleasing God and making our household one of honor.
If you have the same image I had of the Proverbs 31 woman, I urge to read it again.. and as you do think of how she spends her day and her time. Look at the way she thinks of her husband and most of all think of the way God is honored by her life. Oh and let me know what you discovery!