Give her the fruit of her hands. Let her deeds be her praise at the gates. Proverbs 31:31, TLV

Well Done, My Dear!     It’s official, my brothers. What we women diligently work toward, it’s okay for both of us to enjoy the fruits of our labor. It’s okay for our deeds to be recognized. God says it in Proverbs. In fact, He’s given it one of the most notable places in this book — the very last verse.

Any writer will tell you that just as the first sentence is important to draw a reader in, the last sentence must carry the powerful conclusion. To end with an instruction to encourage the hard-working woman is pretty amazing, don’t you think?

Time to Sing

For thousands of years, women’s efforts in the home, field, workplace, ministry, and community have often gone unsung. But women don’t do what they do for the glory, they do it because God has given them the passion or necessity to do it.

We, of course, would love for our menfolk to notice our efforts, but it doesn’t say that only the men should encourage women of valor. It’s also the daughters and sons and parents and friends and their leaders.

Recognizing someone who works hard, especially when we benefit from it, is a gift that keeps giving. Those kind words can make a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes, even change it.

All That Fuss

However, and this may surprise you, not everyone wants “all that fuss” when they do something nice. In fact, it becomes very uncomfortable. I’m one of those people.

Up until recently, I didn’t like anyone — except my husband and daughter —celebrating my birthday. I want someone to notice, but not make too big a deal. I am better about it, only because my husband informed me that I was rude to not accept the affection it represented.

For me, if you take the time to send a card or drop it off, I am very touched. If you invite me for coffee and we chat about life, I will feel special. Give me a hug and say that God used me to bless you, I will glow.

What is Most Meaningful?

So, if you want to acknowledge a woman’s efforts, and want them to truly enjoy it, find out what is meaningful to them.

It’s okay to accept accolades from others. Enjoy it. God says it’s okay.

Think More About It

What blesses you when someone wants to celebrate you? What is meaningful? How would you like others to celebrate your awesomeness?

Until tomorrow, may we celebrate those women in our lives who bless us, my friends.

My desire is to bless those who bless you,
but whoever curses you I will curse,
and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed. Genesis 12:3, TLV

Have all the families of the earth been blessed by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’s descendants? Yes! The obvious blessing is Yeshua, our Messiah and Redeemer, but Israel has also blessed the nations with medical, technological, agricultural, scientific advancements. More inventions and advancements have been made by Israel/Jewish people than any people group in the world. That’s worthy of gratitude, yes?

Today, let’s praise the LORD for His people and find some way to show that gratitude to Israel and the Jewish people. God bless you! Shabbat Shalom!