Proverbs 31:27
She watches over the affairs of her household and
does not eat the bread of idleness.
She watches over the affairs of her household ... The Proverbs 31 individual supervises every detail of their home, taking care to watch over the household and to protect loved ones. This includes paying special care of what is going on in a child's life regardless of their age. While not easy by any stretch of the imagination, it is our job as parents to constantly "tune into" what our children do, where they go, who they keep company with, and yes... even monitor what they watch on television, the music they listen to, and the places they go online. While some parents may view such a watchful eye as spying, or worse yet...invasion of privacy.... our children, in fact, rely and thrive on love, guidance, and protection. Without love, children feel abandoned, become angry or bitter, and learn hatred. Without guidance, children lack direction, become confused, and get into trouble. Without protection, children wind up ill, injured, or worse. One does not have to go very far to find distractions; not all of them positive. Our world is full of them, all vying for our child's attention. There are countless examples out of Hollywood of what happens when a child is without love, guidance, or protection. Without love, Britney Spears' life spiraled out of control with attempted suicides and a nervous breakdown. Without guidance, Miley Cyrus posed semi-nude by 15, lap danced for middle-aged men by 16, and constantly exploits herself in scantily clad attire in front of the media's ever-gazing eye. And without protection, Lindsay Lohan's life at 24 is on out of control Once a poster child for Disney wholesomeness, she's had multiple stays in rehab for drug and alcohol addiction, has been cited for a number of car accidents, and was sentenced just today to 90 days in jail! Our children do not know enough about the ways of the world to have the forethought or insight to know whether they are placing themselves in harm's way. What's more, they rely on us to love, guide, and protect them the best we know how. As Jackie Kennedy once said, "If you can't be a good parent, nothing else matters." Good parenting requires us to take an active role in our child's life. What's more, it requires us to be "unpopular" at times so that we learn what is REALLY going on with our child. It is only then we can sufficiently guide, discipline, and restrict if need be so that they are channeled into positive and enriching activities.
And does not eat the bread of idleness... A Proverbs 31 individual is not one who looks and says, "What happened?"; rather, they are full of energy, well-occupied, and a real go-getter in terms of making things happen. They cram as much as they can into their busy lives whether it is keeping the household running smoothly; helping family members achieve their goals; working in a full-time job; fulfilling a voluntary role; or something else. With a life so full, there is no room for gossip or talk about so-and-so; there's no room to be discontent or envious of so-and-so for what they have; and there is no room for feeling sorry for one self because so-and-so gets all the breaks in life and you never do. The Proverbs 31 individual's life is so full with positive activities that they are genuinely happy for other people's successes. What's more, they know that if they haven't yet "come into their own", they realize it's just a matter of time and use their time wisely.
Remember ... touch a life today "The Little Way" by following the lead and need of others. Also, if you ever thought to yourself, "I wish my community, knew...", then be sure to visit White Light Communications at http://www.tothewhitelight.com.
~ Theresa
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