“She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing food from afar.”
The word that comes to mind is “resourceful”. I see a woman that works hard at finding the highest quality goods for as little as possible. She gathers it up, puts her twist on it and brings it to her family in a way that serves them best. Find, spin, bring, and repeat. And, it’s all done out of love, not out of mundane obligation. Take joy in the responsibilities in which God has blessed you.
When I read this verse, I envision a woman that takes little and makes much, whether that be money, time or things. She uses her talents to bring financial gain to her family. Maybe this means bargain hunting or maybe this means going out into the workforce. I don’t think this means that every woman needs to be a skilled seamtress or Betty Crocker. Obviously these are great talents, but it means something different for every woman and every situation. Regardless, the Proverbs 31 woman is hard-working and busy. She plans her day so that it can be intentional and productive. Do you make lists? If not, I encourage you to try it. You will be surprised what you can accomplish in one day just by making a list. Refer to it often throughout the day to make sure that you are on track.
What does it mean to bring food from afar? Unfortunately, I don’t think it means traveling to exotic locations to bring interesting food to your dinner table. Perhaps it means going across town to get a better deal or maybe it means that you shop at the farmer’s market to get the freshest, most interesting ingredients for your family. For me, it means bringing healthy food to the dinner table. And it means variety. I struggle with variety. It’s hard not to depend on the same meals each week! For the first time, I am growing basil and rosemary in one of our flower beds … much more economical than buying them from the store.
All of this reminds me of the parable about the fish and loaves of bread.
“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
John 6:11-14
Jesus took a little and made a lot, and he instructed the disciples to leave nothing to waste. He also gave them as much as they wanted. I think this is an important lesson. If He gives you an opportunity, don’t squander it. If He gives you a little, take it and run with it. If He gives you a lot, don’t take it for granted. Be obedient and thankful for His provisions. Be the resourceful woman God created you to be by making the most out of the loaves of bread you have been given.
