IT'S OK
Today's reading: Proverbs 31

Reading Proverbs 31 is one of my least favorite things to do. Oh, she's admirable--I'll give her that. She's economically wise--highly esteemed in today's day and time. She's a planner--we may have a common thread going there. But to compare myself to her? I come up lacking!

That's all right.

Well, it is now. For years I've compared myself to her and have fallen short of the standard she's set. I've beaten myself up over not having it all together like P31 has. I've laughed about her abilities, knowing deep down it was envy not humor driving the heart.

Then a dear friend gave me a small wooden plaque to hang in my kitchen. Nothing fancy, really. A rough sawn board, a piece of hanging wire and a red gingham ribbon--and words that perk me up and place me back where I believe God intends me to be:

Jesus knows me, this I love.

When she first handed the prize to me, I thought, 'Oh, how cute. How very nice. The song I've sung for years and years.' But when I got home and re-read its words, I soon realized it's not the same words I've had in my heart since childhood.

Jesus knows me, and still died on the cross for me. Jesus knows me, and still intercedes on my behalf to His Father. Jesus knows me, and still chooses to stand beside me. Jesus knows me, how short I fall of the standards set by godly women, how many times I screw up, how unlovely I truly am--this I love!

A special thanks to my dear friend for her thoughtful gift...and a new look at P31!