Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31:11-31

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.  She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.  She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.  In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.  When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.  She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Many of us have women in our lives who are examples of the Wife of noble character.  My mother, friends, and many others I have seen on TV or read about in the newspaper show these characteristics.  I am thankful for the example they have all given to me.  Tonight though, I write you about a special woman of noble character.  Last night at 9:30 pm I was at a friend's house finishing up a BBQ with some conversation in the living room when I received a call that my friend Diana (St. Diana as her husband Bill called her) had lost her battle with cancer and was now one with the other saints in heaven.  I have known Diana for the past 8 years, shortly after I began my teaching career, but for the last 5 years she has been my spiritual director, and even more than that she has been my dear, dear friend.  Although we differ by about 30 years in age, Diana and I instantly had a bond that ran deep.  She was a mentor to me, a shoulder to cry on, an example to learn from, and much, much more.  Her husband, Bill, and her took me under their wings as if I was one of their own.   We loved to gather for dinner and over a glass of wine and a delicious meal prepared by Diana to discuss the latest politics or happenings in both of our lives.  They listened to me whine about work or give updates on my family and friends, and they would often share their travel plans and gush about their kids or grand kids.  You see, when I say spiritual direction, it was so much more.  I often came over right from work and Diana insisted on feeding me, giving me a drink, and then always had a dessert and cup of coffee for our actual discussions.  And that is just how Diana was.  It was never enough to just stop by or talk, she was a great nurturer and caretaker.  I watched her dote on her husband, children, and grandchildren on several occasions.  She rarely sat and was always ready to meet the needs of those she loved with a smile on her face. 

When we would finally begin to talk about my life as a christian and her as a mentor, she always spoke with such wisdom.  She would question me, encourage me, challenge me, and guide me.  When I left her home each time I knew I had been instructed by God through my friend.  She was open to His Spirit and His knowledge flowed from her. 

And so tonight it is a sad night for me as I think about saying good bye to my friend and confidant, but there is a small bit of consolation knowing that she has joined the heavenly ranks to pray for and intercede for all of us as we finish our journeys here on this earth.  I am encouraged by the example she left for me, that I, too, may one day be a wife of noble character to all those I come into contact with.  Diana will be forever in my heart and has left a permanent mark on my life.