March 30, 2026

I cherish these last few verses as it reminds me of a woman reflecting back on her life after fulfilling her earthly journey. She can look back with a sense of peace, knowing she gave her all. One of my blessing’s counselors said her go to phrase is: “We are all just trying to do the best we can.”  We adopted that phrase, too!

Her children rise up and bless her; as for her husband, he also praises her, saying, “Many daughters have done excellently, but you have gone above them all.” – vs 28 and 29….

I find it fascinating that every member of my family shares a passion for reading and writing using traditional paper and pen. Reflecting on our habits, it’s clear that we embrace an old-school approach to self-expression—no computers required. Just a genuine notebook or journal and real writing tools. My husband often writes me encouraging notes; while he may struggle to articulate his feelings verbally, he excels in expressing them on paper. I believe we have all effectively used this as a way to articulate our dreams, hopes, and thoughts.

I feel truly blessed to have received adorable homemade cards and drawings from my children throughout their childhood. The greatest joy comes from seeing them as adults, each taking the time at different points in their lives to write heartfelt letters, reminiscing and thanking me for cherished memories. Each letter has brought immense joy to my heart. Two of them even reflected on the challenges we faced together, getting through some bumps in the road, and acknowledging their difficult moments. I can’t help but smile when I think of those tough times; we simply navigated life together, little by little.

I recall a special moment from my early days as a young mother, when I discovered a small note in the cupboard while caring for both baby and toddler. For about a week, I kept finding heartwarming notes hidden around our home from my husband. That experience is etched in my memory. Throughout the years we would exchange messages on the fogged-up bathroom mirrors, and soon enough, our children began doing the same. It was later that we realized we could use an Expo marker on the mirrors to leave each other notes. Ultimately, it’s those little moments that leave a lasting impact, far more than any material gifts.

I recall going through a couple drive-thrus where I would be driving behind my husband in my car. He would communicate a special message to the person handing us our food, something along the lines of, “There’s a beautiful woman in the car behind me. I’d like to pay for her meal.” It always caught me off guard, and I distinctly remember one occasion when the cashier blushed while relaying the message. I assured her, “It’s alright, he’s my husband,” and we both shared a laugh, as she had no idea we were connected.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised. – vs. 30

Charm can often be misleading, concealing one’s true character beneath an alluring exterior. Have you ever encountered someone so captivating that you thought, “Wow! This person seems too good to be true!” If it appears that way, it likely is. When you find yourself thinking this about someone, it’s wise to remove them from that pedestal, as they eventually will let you down. Personally, I prefer to trust those who are open about their struggles rather than those who seem to have everything all together.

All my daughters are beautiful, and I would remind them that true beauty runs deeper than any mirror’s reflection. Ever watch those pageants where contestants are dressed to the nines, hair perfect, looking like they’ve just stepped out of a fairy tale? They speak with such poise, but you can’t help but wonder—who are they really beneath the glitter? You’ve probably met someone who looks like a magazine cover but their personality turns them into a pumpkin. Then, there are those who might not snag a beauty crown but their inner glow makes them shine. That’s what I’ve told them to aim for! We want the Holy Spirit to radiate through us. Sure, some might find your spiritual scent a bit too pungent and skedaddle, but others will find it irresistible, drawing them closer and inspiring them to serve God with all their hearts, too.

A Proverbs 31 woman has learned to know how to serve the Lord through her lifetime. This is someone that has had a life that has demonstrated the fruit of the Spirit. She may excel in one and not another but all of them together have brought different life lessons, making her unique, in the way she has seen life, being who God made her to be. It is always a life of continual sanctification and transformation.

Give to her from the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates – vs. 31

At the end of her life, the Proverbs 31 woman finally understood that perfection was always unattainable. She navigated challenges with a steadfast heart, experienced setbacks, and yet continued to rise, learn, and grow wiser with time. Her life was filled with valuable lessons drawn from both failures and achievements. She knew what it meant to fully depend on the Lord. She encouraged others in many ways, leaving a lasting impression to people near and far. She can smile at her life on earth, knowing Yahweh was by her side, placing her exactly where she needed to be at every step of her journey. She will close her eyes one final time on earth and open them to her eternal home, where her Heavenly Father waits with arms outstretched. She runs to Him, and as He embraces her, she hears, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”