What I Want to Be When I Grow Up

As a child, I longed to be many things...among them: an architect, a race car driver, an interior designer, a Mommy, a writer, a singer, a Wife, a psychologist.  One thing that was a constant need for me was to be a perfectionist - I had to do the best at everything  tried my hand at and if I didn't get a perfect grade or win the contest, I took it pretty hard.  I needed to push myself to be better, and that in and of itself, is not a bad thing.  It kept me motivated and inspired, but it was a constant frustration for me because we all know we can't be 100% all the time and we have to lose every now and then.

I didn't become an architect (yet).  Nor did I take the checkered flag in a Nascar race (yet).  I won't be trying out for American Idol (ever).  I learned I am not capable of leaving my patients' problems at the office, so I chose not to go into psychology.  But, I did reach a couple of my aspirations: I am a Mommy.  And being a Mommy taught me that I don't have to be perfect...I just have to be Mommy, because my boys are going to love me anyway.  Making mistakes every now and then is healthy - they have to learn how to deal with mistakes because they are going to make them too.  And, I also became a Wife.  I married someone who adores my imperfections.  He still puts me on a pedastal despite them.  I am so blessed. 

I'm still young enough that I haven't stopped dreaming about what I want to be when I grow up, and I wanted to share it with you.  I want to be the lady described in Proverbs 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 night;
   she provides food for her family
   and portions for her female servants.
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.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
~ Proverbs 31:10-31