March 20, 2026

She is like a merchant ship, bringing food from afar – verse 14 ….

This could seem like an insult as well as impossible. I don’t think we want to be compared to a ship and I don’t think we are bringing our food from afar….unless it’s done behind a screen, to order from Amazon, where you can have almost anything delivered within a few hours.

What I gather from this verse is quite practical. I recall the days of clipping coupons for shopping—anyone else? Aldi’s and Dollar General were my go to stores. As mothers, we tend to be mindful of our spending and want our families to enjoy nutritious meals. Side note: understand that when you leave your children with Daddy, that it is quite possible that nothing will get done, and he will order pizza. Thank God for dads who make their children a priority. So what if he orders pizza and nothing gets done? He is doing what is most important….keeping them alive…. (and getting crowned “best daddy in the world”) While I’m not suggesting that fast food is entirely bad—I’ve indulged in it way more often than I’d like to admit—I firmly believe that processed foods are detrimental to our health. But that’s a topic for another blog post.

I recall when my children were younger, there were numerous occasions where we visited the grocery store with two carts, dividing the shopping list between us. I would have them keep a mental tally of the cost for each item. We truly enjoyed this experience together like it was a grocery game. Additionally, when using cash envelopes, it forced me to distinguish between needs and wants. There were instances when we had to prioritize a need over a want.

The phrase “bringing food from afar” can also refer to simply going into your backyard to collect eggs, not only for personal use but also for sale. This principle includes any produce you cultivate, vegetables and fruits, from your own garden as well as livestock you raise for milk or meat. The distance is minimal though the work is much more obviously because you aren’t going to the grocery store where the work has already been done for you. The emphasis on this verse is being prudent and creative in what we have to work with.

She rises while it is still night – verse 15….

Many mornings, I find myself awake by 4:45 a.m. to kickstart my day. However, this doesn’t mean you need to follow the same routine, as we all experience different seasons in life. I believe that nourishment goes beyond just physical food; it also includes spiritual sustenance. Consider whether you’re intentionally preparing for the next day, being in the Word of God daily alone and with your family, or being in a position to mentor someone during this phase of your life.

Over the years, I have come to understand that prioritizing my own well-being is crucial for effectively caring for my family. There were numerous occasions when I operated on fumes, unaware that my body was not receiving the necessary nutrition because my kidneys were eliminating everything I consumed. I had assumed that chronic pain was just something everyone lived with as I knew nothing else and that exhaustion was simply part of motherhood; however, in hindsight, I realize I was significantly malnourished. I look back at pictures and realize how unhealthy I looked. I wish I had recognized this earlier, though I had many people throughout my life comment on how sick I looked. Though, f they really cared they wouldn’t have treated me like it was something to make fun of and make rude remarks but instead come to me as a friend to tell me they are really concerned. Knowing something was really wrong would have enabled me to address my kidney issues, allowing me to get physically healthy, and be fully present for my family instead of merely surviving and grappling with sudden emotional outbursts and horrible migraines due to the hormonal instability it caused. I look back and wonder how many people are just surviving, walking around malnourished, not only physically but spiritually. 

This scenario reminds me of the safety protocol on an airplane: when the oxygen masks drop, one must first secure their own mask in order to assist others effectively. This principle emphasizes the importance of thriving rather than merely surviving. I have discovered that rising early causes me to have the most productive days. To maintain this level of productivity, I must be intentional about my choices, including eating healthy and drinking enough water (yes if you are not feeling well, I will ask you if you are avoiding inflammatory foods and drinking enough — yes, I consume an average of 96 – 130 ounces of water a day). I must make sure I have adequate sleep and commit to regular exercise.

Although my relationship with exercise is one of ambivalence, it ultimately contributes to my overall happiness due to the release of endorphins and when I am working out, I try to make it fun…move to the beat and smile. Side Note: Did you know it takes more muscles to frown than to smile? Often if you see me workout, I am smiling because I don’t need any frown taking from my good workout. Having a good breathing technique also makes for better workouts.

By the time my family wakes up, I have already completed an intense workout, talked to God, showered, and took care of all the animals for the morning. When I know they are going to be rising soon, I usually start singing and I am happy, happy, happy because I am not in pain and my kidneys aren’t dumping. It is a good day to have a good day!

One aspect I believe I implemented well during my children’s younger years, particularly when I was feeling exhausted, was establishing a routine of rest. Thankfully, once they outgrew their nap times, we maintained a daily two-hour quiet time where everyone spent time in their own rooms, engaging in quiet activities. I am pretty sure I learned this nugget of information in MOPS as well. This became my personal time to focus on my BSF, pray, and often take a nap.

I remember feeling so fatigued at times that if the children fell asleep on the way home from somewhere, when I would pull up in our driveway and close my eyes just so I could sleep, too. I didn’t realize it wasn’t typical for a young mother to feel so drained and in need of a nap. I believe that even if you’re healthy, it’s essential to carve out ten minutes each day to simply lie down and do nothing—those little cat naps can make a difference.

As bedtime approaches, I need to give myself time to wind down. Ideally that would be an hour or two before bed. To have better sleep, I avoid screens, which often disrupts my rest. Screens have been proven to keep people wide awake, cause anxiety and ADHD, where your brain cannot shut off. Instead, I choose to read a physical book that I can hold in my hands. I may also enjoy a cup of tea while writing a to-do list for the next day.

I’ve learned the importance of extending myself grace if I am unable to complete all items on my list. Additionally, I find that journaling is beneficial when I have thoughts weighing on my mind. And, through the night my Abide App is going. These habits have collectively contributed to a more restful night’s sleep.

I encourage others to identify specific times throughout the day dedicated to self-care—ideally, before anyone else wakes up, during the midday, and before bedtime. Being intentional in establishing a routine not only enhances the likelihood of maintaining it but also improves overall well-being.

Important take aways to apply to our lives….

• What system works for you when planning meals as well as your days?

• Are you just surviving or thriving? If you feel like you are just surviving, what can you do to thrive? (you may need to visit a health provider to make sure everything in your body is working correctly)

• Is there something in your day you would like to do to “take care of you”, and how can you make that happen?

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Blessings,
Jennifer