Friday, September 4, 2009

A Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." 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. (Prov 31:10-31)

This describes my wife to a T. Without her this adoption, this blog, and anything I have done successfully would not have happened. The last verse says "and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." I live in Cincinnati, I have no city wall that needs a gate. My city gate is the Internets. The entire world should know how awesome my wife is.

To this end the other day I called my wife a baby elephant. Don't worry it's a good thing. I was watching a PBS special the other day about Herbert von Karajan (he's famous trust me). To motivate someone he called them a baby elephant. Everyone laughed at the reference and then he explained what he meant. "A baby elephant is not someting to trile with by itself it is stronger than most things on Earth. The problem is that the elephant doesn't know it yet. It hasn't realized it yet." My wife is like that. Stronger than most people on Earth.

Over the past couple of weeks I have seen her deal with three children in Russia (two adopted, and one spouse). The only times I have seen her truly frustrated is when she has so much love that she can't express it, because the kids won't let her. Our children are beautiful, but don't exactly know how to receive love yet, as they've never really had it from another human being. She is currently upstairs with them napping and my prayer for them all is that they grow in love with each other. They learn to trust one another and that the Holy Spirit come over this house and bless us all with a little/lot of extra patience and love. I also pray that my children despite the horrible beginning to their life (due to man). That from here on out their lives be blessed by the fruit of the Father in heaven. That they experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. That they learn that as parents we have the best intentions but won't always get it right. That we loved them from the moment we saw them.

6 comments:

Reverb said...

This is great stuff Steve. Love Wins. It always wins. One victory at at time.

Anonymous said...

Okay, I seriously teared up a bit while reading this. She's a lucky wife.

Genny said...

I'm not gonna lie...my eyes are a little wet right now. You guys both have so much love to give and I know that God will open up the boys hearts and allow you to show them how much love you really have.

Ann said...

It may be a tough road, but it WILL happen. I have a nephew who was adopted from Russia at just over 2 years old... it took him awhile to bond, (he took to me right off - I always said it's because I am a "big" lady like those Russian babushkas, not a skinny lit'l thing like my sisters, lol) but he's 10 now, and a great, loving little boy!

Laura said...

I've only read this one entry but I wanted to comment. We adopted our beautiful daughter from Russia almost 13 years ago. First of all, if you ever need a shoulder to cry on and all your usual shoulders are already wet, feel free to contact. It's a long hard road and we aren't to the end yet. Second, It is a long hard road. It takes a long time to unravel what's happened. We got alot of "just take her home and love her and everything will be alright". When things didn't turn around fast enough for me I felt guilt that I didn't "love her enough". I'm not saying it was horrible but it was hard to admit that I wasn't a good enough person/parent/prayer to make her what I thought a little girl should be. Anyway, she is a healthy, happy, wonderful 13 1/2 year old today. She still struggles but I know that's okay now.

Tracie said...

Praying for you. For real. Walking the journey right along with you.