Kudos, my dear!

TODAY’S PROVERB: Give her the fruit of her hands. Let her deeds be her praise at the gates. Proverbs 31:31

It’s official, my brothers. What we women diligently work toward, it’s okay 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 a 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?

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.

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 — even 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 feel special. If you give me a hug and say why what I did was a blessing to you, I glow.

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

What blesses you when someone wants to celebrate you? What is meaningful? How would you like others to celebrate your awesomeness? It’s okay to accept the accolades from others. Enjoy it. God says it’s okay.

May we celebrate those women in our lives who bless us, my friends.

Proverbs 31:31, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs