Precious Cargo

oh, for a pair of binoculars . . .
to see which path to take them down
which field to buy
which garden to plant
to be the proverbs 31 woman they deserve
the wife "worth far more than diamonds"
who can be "trusted without reserve"
which path would treat him "generously"
and lead him to be "greatly respected"
a merit long overdue
like the fastest man in the world
without a medal around his neck
in my heart I know
You have "provision I know not of"
though the numbers look like caution tape
when calenders and envelopes
swallow the checkbook
like Jonah and the whale
but I'm not trying to run away
I'm just trying to get closer to You
both paths would have me
"eager to get started"
eager to "roll up my sleeves"
and "sense the worth of my work"
okay, maybe one more than the other
was that an answer?
If I was walking the path alone
I know in my heart the answer
but there are others standing with me
the ones You gave me to "keep an eye on"
precious cargo I don't deserve
which path would give me the gift of time?
time to hold their hands along the path
time to listen and talk to Lauren
about her own paths to Proverbs
time to lead her to You
where love is true wealth and hope
oh, for a pair of binoculars . . .
or maybe we should just take a step together
trust You
and "face tomorrow with a smile"
together
so we "may take hold of life
that is truly life"
together

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you." 1 Thessalonians 3: 12

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 1 Timothy 6: 17-19

"A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long . . .
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day . . .
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear . . .
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers . . .
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!"
Proverbs 31: 10-31 (Msg)