Happy Mother’s Day, Susie
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
How do you think I can concentrate on public policy stuff? It’s because I trust Susie completely – I know she has everything under control at home.
She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.
She knits and sews, and teaches Lillie and Mary Margaret to do so.
She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.
OK, so Wal-Mart and Crest aren’t that far, but she still brings food, and we always have delicious meals around here.
She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household.
She gets up nearly every morning to fix me breakfast. The other day she got up at 6 a.m. to fix me eggs, sausage, and coffee – even though she had been up until 2 a.m. preparing lesson plans.
She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.
And not just from working out at the gym. She carries Jack Henry with one arm and cleans the house with her other arm. Remember, this is a gal who gives birth without an epidural (four times so far) and comes home from the hospital the same day.
She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.
One night when Mary Margaret couldn’t get to sleep, she ventured out to see if anyone was awake. It was after midnight, and Susie was the only one awake. She was doing the family budget on the computer.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.
She sews curtains and lots of beautiful things. People have even asked her to make purses for them.
She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
Though she does it anonymously.
She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.
Well, crimson.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.
She has been known to make purses and sell them, and give some away as gifts.
Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom.
A little too much wisdom for some chastened United States senators.
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
Even when she’s trying to teach the three oldest children math and science and grammar and history and more – and also look after Jack Henry – she is kind and patient.
She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
She has no idea what time Oprah comes on. Besides teaching the children and taking care of them, she cleans the house within an inch of its life, does the laundry, does the dishes, cooks our meals, takes care of the flower beds, mows the lawns and weed-eats (yes, I’m a cad for not doing it – so sue me!), does the family budget, drives the kids to ballet and Latin and baseball, takes them to the library, buys groceries and goes on all her other errands … need I continue? Trust me, I could tell you more – much more – she does around here, but I don’t want you to think less of me than you already do.
Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.
