when I think...

of the work that I do, this passage often comes to mind. I like how it talks about seeking wool and flax, and making the linen garments. I have always known this proverb to be a model for what I would like to be. She is has strength and fortitude, but is also loving and kind toward her family and the poor. She is a smart businesswoman and an entrepreneur.

Proverbs 31:10-31
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.
She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
She makes tapestry 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, And supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many daughters have done will, But you excel them all."
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

It just makes me feel strengthened to meditate on that every once in awhile. I remember reading that before I was married, and even though I couldn't relate to the part about the husband, it still meant a lot to me as a woman, and as a mother. I waitressed, mowed lawns, made art, did filing jobs at the college I attended - whatever I had to do to make it work. There is something so honorable about working with your hands and providing for your family.