2.5.10


Today in church we learned about how to be a virtuous woman and HOLY MOLY am I failing!
Wait.
Not true.
I really don't think I am failing, I am actually feeling pretty good about my little world right now.
But it did get me thinking about some stuff.
The teacher filled the entire board with words or attitudes that describe a virtuous woman. Words like honest, happy, cleanly, obedient, thankful, peaceful, kind, supportive blah blah blah blah....
That list was mighty long.
At first I got that familiar "FAIL" feeling that can so easily seep into your soul at church. The one that tells you it doesn't matter how hard you try, you just aren't gunna ever be good enough.
Anyone else ever feel that way?
But then I thought about all the things I AM doing. Things like raising 4 crazy kids without totally loosing my sanity, or keeping the house clean enough that sometimes you can actually see the floor. How bout making a dinner that includes a veggie other than canned beans?
Or on a bigger scale....teaching my children to think for themselves and encouraging them to follow their hearts.  Standing up for myself and fighting battles that are scary, but important.  Creating traditions that hopefully will warm my children's hearts for the rest of their lives and remind them that they are loved.
I am not always kind, I am not always peaceful or patient. I don't always say thank you or ask nicely.
I will never be the ideal. That just ain't my style.
I don't buy the whole "suck it up and just be perfect" bit.
I like the "do what works for you and be proud of the good" thing much better. Throw in a little "maybe today I will make a goal to be more_____________" and I think your on the right path.

Okay, now it's your turn. How do you feel when you see that list on the board. Does it make you cry or excited? How do you better yourself every day without sending yourself to the looney bin? How do you define a virtuous woman?

and....go!

8 Comments:

  1. Shafferprincess said...
    Guilty at times - like I'm not trying hard enough.

    But other times, I feel good. I do remember the things that I'm trying to do, and that helps.

    It's easy to get down and feel like we're failing, and even easier to forget some of the good things we as mothers/wives do. Thanks for the reminder to look for the good.

    BTW, the dark blue text color is REALLY hard to read. I had to hi-lite the text to be able to read it. Something lighter would probably work better.
    Jillo said...
    I accidentally erased my old blog template so I guess a blog makeover is in order. Forgive the ugly until I figure out a pretty.
    Lauri said...
    I think getting up every day and gracing the world with this exceptionally beautiful face makes me pretty stinking virtuous. It takes all sorts of kindness and patience to allow others to look upon my magnificence and also all sorts of compassion and love for me to not feel bad for them for not being as amazing as I am.
    That is my list.
    Boquinha said...
    Ideals are dangerous. It's a frequent topic of discussion in my sessions with clients. Instead of trying be some kind of ideal that someone ELSE imposes or prescribes, it's healthier to know ourselves and simply be our best selves. Following your heart is a great way to achieve that.

    Oh, and by the way, I like you. :) I so so hear you. You know that, right?
    Emily said...
    There are so many things I want to be but don't really know how. So I try to do the basics: I feel like I'm a virtuous woman if I'm keeping the commandments, honoring my husband, being kind to my kids, and reading my scriptures and praying every day. I try to do my visiting teaching but honestly, don't always get it done. But I still feel okay if I don't. I feel like I'm a virtuous woman if I'm fulfilling my calling and allowing my husband to do his without complaining. If I get to the temple several times a year, especially with a new baby. If I can help a friend in need (meals, watching kids, etc.). Those are the things that make me think I'm doing what I can...and I always feel blessed when I do.
    Stacy Holmes said...
    To hell with those lists!
    Alison said...
    I'm with Stacy!
    Jaz said...
    Now I'm really glad that I went to Venice Beach on Sunday. (oopsie)

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