Disclaimer: To any male reading this, my intent is not to bash men or to try to say that one gender is better than the other. I'm simply celebrating a female perspective at this point.
I have to take a moment to marvel at the beauty with which God created woman. After forty years on this Earth I've come to the conclusion that women are awesomely strong creatures. Yes, it took me that long to appreciate what it truly meant to be a woman-not to be confused with a girl. A girl remains childish in her thinking and behavior, but a woman....that's a different story.
She cares for others, often putting others' needs ahead of her own. She is a mother even if she has not children of her own-or for that matter aren't really children. Think about what that means. A mother is the glue that holds the household together. She cooks and cleans making sure that the house is running smoothly. She tends to the physical, emotional, educational, and social needs of her charges.
She deals with the stresses of arguing "siblings", sick "children", time constraints, monetary constraints, etc. Yet she finds the time to give each person what they need. A hug for one. Reading a story at bedtime for another. One gets a bath while another gets help with their homework.
A woman is soft and warm inviting others to open up and share their feelings. She offers comfort and relief. Her yoke is not light as she usually carries the burden of worrying about others. But she bears it, gladly for the sake of those around her.
A woman delights in the escapades of her "children". Their exploits cause her fits of giggles and she rejoices in their successes. Her face lights up and a smile spreads across her face as she bursts with pride at each new milestone.
A woman sets boundaries for the sake of her "children" and is firm in upholding them. Her commitment is resolute and unshakeable. Though it is heartbreaking for her to bear the scorn and anger of those she imposes the limits on, she sees the greater purpose and remains steadfast.
She is encouraging to others and fiercely protective of those she loves. She would lay down her life for them and go down fighting.
Yet she is apt to be so extremely critical of herself. As much as she sees the potential and positive in everyone else, she often fails to recognize it in herself. Rather, she sees those opportunities she has for improvement.
A woman cries. When she's happy, when she's sad...just because she seems to have sprung a leak and doesn't really understand why. She isn't ashamed of it either. To her it is a sign of her strength, not a weakness.
I know so many real woman. I know ones who have faced divorce and kept their family together. I know a few who have battled cancer and refused to let it win. I know those that have suffered great losses but kept loving. I know that who have been used and have continued giving anyway. Not as victims, but because it was what was in their heart.
Yes, sometimes I am amazed when I stop and think about the women in my life, especially when I scan the years in my memory. We have a strength that defies explanation and deserves celebration. And God deserves the praise for his infinitely wise design!
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