By: Christina Jones - Upper School Principal
Experts say the next couple weeks are going to be hard, we are going to face higher numbers. Along with that notion brings about more and more uncertainty about many things. I know many of you are without work right now. I know that staying home with your kids has its moments. I know everything looks different from what we all had planned.
I was reflecting this morning on the whole situation because I found irony in the fact that I was wishing for more time at home during basketball season, little did I know that fast-forward a couple of months and I'd be stuck with the kids in the house for the unforeseeable future, wishing that I could get out of the house. Don't tell my kids but I have secretly enjoyed the quarantine because I have cherished this extra time with them. That doesn't mean I'm not stir-crazy, wishing for a Starbucks coffee and a stroll through Target for things I don't need. I've cooked more days in a row than I ever have, I alphabetized my spice cabinet out of boredom, I've walked my dogs more than they want to be walked, but at the end of the day- we are talking more, we are doing more things together, we are working together on projects, and that makes this quarantine bearable.
I do have to battle my flesh at times and change my quaran"tude" to say that I am safe at home instead of saying that I'm stuck at home. It got so bad over the weekend that I wrote on my bedroom mirror “ I am blessed to be quarantined” because I needed to remind myself that I needed to be thankful for my home and my circumstances. I've started to reflect on the things I am grateful for instead of complaining about what I'd rather be doing. I’m also reflecting on myself and how I can be better.
In Proverbs 31, there is a description of the virtuous woman. The virtuous woman chapter of the Bible means more to me during this COVID-19 experience than she ever has. I've always had a love/hate relationship with this woman that I constantly strive to be, but never seem to attain. But I want you to read it now, under these circumstances, and I’d like to make the argument that you are more like the virtuous woman than you care to admit:
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
You are this woman during this time. You are doing it! While you aren't feeding servants and planting vineyards, you have much in common with her during this time.
I see you risking your health to go grocery shopping to make sure your cupboards are stocked.
I see you planning meals and making sure the kids are fed, even when you don't feel like cooking.
I see you cleaning your house more because it's lived in more than usual.
I see you helping with online school, trying to figure out pre-calculus that you haven't done in 30 years.
I see you going over bills and trying to prioritize your finances when things are tight.
I see you teaching your kids to bake.
I see you sanitizing your home and your family members to make sure they don't get sick.
I see you listening to the Governor at 2 pm to learn about what is going on outside your home.
I see you gathering your family to listen to your church services online and worshipping in your living room.
I see you checking on your neighbors and family members to see if they need toilet paper.
I see you praying for your family throughout the day that the Lord would protect those whom you love.
I see you making masks for your family and healthcare workers.
I see you coming up with activities with the kids so they don’t binge on Netflix.
I see you hiding your fears so your kids aren’t scared too.
My thoughts today are that yes, our families may exasperate and even infuriate us at times, but our families are our most precious possessions. Don't take them for granted during this time. We don't know how long we will have them, or they us. They are our mirror and our anchor. Use this circumstance to strengthen your resolve and to gain wisdom and compassion. Treasure this time with them. Keep doing what you are doing, virtuous woman, because the Lord is pleased and so is your family. Enjoy the satisfaction of taking care of your family and keep pushing your personal boundaries.
(Source: Christina Jones, [email protected])