The Ultimate Reward

Proverbs 31:28

Her children arise up, and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praiseth her.

In the last four verses of this inspiring chapter,

we are allowed to see the reward given to this virtuous woman.

It is not money, prizes, or trophies.

This woman receives the praise she deserves.

It is not the praise of the community that is mentioned first

(though I am sure the merchants, the poor, and her servants would praise her),

but it is her family.

Her husband praises her because she indeed is his help meet.

She has aided him in his successes and supported him in his failures.

He recognizes the role his wife plays in encouraging him and helping him meet his responsiblities.

Her children also praise her because she has done her best

to prepare them for whatever their futures hold.

They appreciate the tought love, the present ear, the years of prayers.

It is sad that many women search for fulfilment outside of the home.

They seek the praise of a boss or coworkers rather than

the praise of the husband and children that they should be ministering to.

I recognize that there are many husbands who do not give the praise their wives deserve,

there are many ungrateful children who do not respect their mothers as they should,

but there are also many wives and mothers not seeking to be a "virtuous woman."

These traits will take time, practice, and effort to develop.

There is no greater reward, in my opinion,

after a difficult day of homekeeping,

than recognition from my hubby -

he appreciates the clean home, the ready meal, the sweet treat.

And even if hubby forgets to say something,

I feel a reward in his successes -

because I am his HELP MEET

and that is the best job I have ever had.