I used to look up to the Proverbs 31 woman (and I still do). If you are unfamiliar with that term, it’s in reference to a woman described in the Bible; in the book of Proverbs chapter 31. She is the epitome of womanhood. I know there are many others like me who aspire to be like her. She seemed to do almost everything and with such ease and gracefulness too. I never thought I could be such a woman and it’s one of the things that made me afraid of marriage, relationships, and so on.

She is clothed with strength and dignity,
    and she laughs without fear of the future

Proverbs 31:25 (NLT)

While I was reading a book a little while ago, something stirred within me. The virtue of the Proverbs 31 woman was emphasized in the book and I reflected on that for a bit. I was reminded of a saying by Jesus, “Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me”. There is someone who possesses all the virtue and I can draw from Him!

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right

Psalm 84:11 (NLT)

I cannot begin to explain how relieved I was to be freed from the fear of failing as a wife or mother or career woman or friend. Now, I understand that balance looks different for everyone. The image that comes to my mind is of a fulcrum and lever. I am not a science student so I don’t remember all the details (and I could research, but I don’t want to do that). However, from the little that I remember and from images I have browsed through, one common theme is present: the closer the fulcrum is to the load, the less effort is required to move the load. I hope you already see where I’m going with this. If not, the fulcrum could be representative of God in your life. I’ll leave you with that.

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What does balance look like for you? Do you sometimes struggle with balancing your responsibilities too?

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