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Topic: Christmas Cooking/Baking (not recipes) (10/16/08)
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TITLE: A Christmas Wife of Noble Character | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gail Stoltzfoos
10/19/08 -
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Later, you arise to delicious aromas wafting up the staircase. Perhaps you catch Mom napping in the living room chair "for just a few minutes, honestly!" Your offers to assist go unheeded as she jumps up to continue her labors. "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." (Proverbs 31:17 NIV) Her bustling presence conjures up memories of so many holidays from your youth. The entire family seems to be uplifted, brought together, and comforted by the efforts of this untiring woman. Although Dad throws some light on the earlier years by, once again, telling the story of the never-removed giblets and unlighted oven. Mother mimics her horror at the memory of discovering the uncooked turkey moments before her in-laws pulled into the driveway at dinner time. As giggles and laughter fill the kitchen; you enjoy what has become your favorite part of this retold tale: the twinkling look of love that passes between your parents. A look that speaks of twenty plus years of shared memories within these four walls called home.
"Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land" (Proverbs 31:23 NIV) is obviously an overstatement of Dad's claim to his special chair in the living room. But, he presides over the gathered assembly with as much skill and precision as Mom is showing in the kitchen. She has her domain, and this is his. He makes sure that everyone is involved by asking questions and muting the television to actually listen to the answers. There are no complaints over the loss of sound; for this is the all important "catch-up" time for the family men. "How's the job" "What's new?" "Is your golf game improving?" The small questions are always followed by the meat of his conversation. "What is the Lord doing in your life?" "How is your walk with the Lord?" "What can we be praying about?" This annual ritual is highly respected. Amidst the often loud conversations and ongoing holiday chaos; there is a quiet understanding that your life is precious, meaningful and important to him. It is an incredibly comforting thought.
Finally, the family squeezes into the dining room. "Isn't it wonderful that everyone could make it this year!" someone exclaims. A hush always precedes the dramatic entrance of the savory, browned turkey: Dad carrying the large platter and Mom entering with shining love-filled eyes. "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." (Proverbs 31:28 NIV) The ritual toast is led by Dad before he carves. One by one; we go around the table, sharing our thankfulness for the previous year and our dreams for the one to come. We express our deep gratitude for the bounty of love that is ours whenever we step into the welcoming atmosphere of this, our family home. We realize how blessed we are to have a "wife of noble character" showing us the Lord's way of loving with every action she takes, with every meal she makes. It it our privilege to gather as a family to "give her the reward she has earned" (Proverbs 31:31a NIV).
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