My heart wants to seek Him first, set my mind on things above, and keep my eyes on Jesus, but I am naturally a self-absorbed people pleaser. My thoughts drift toward my daily accomplishments, selfish desires, and earning the approval of others. I imagine what others are thinking about me, what new basket I need for my house, and if my jeans make my legs look longer.

Not all of my thoughts are selfish, but focusing on what is eternal is a real struggle. I read Matthew 6:21, Where your treasure is, there your heart is also, and I hear God asking, where is your heart today? What do you value most? What is consuming your thoughts?

In my eyes, she has been a superhero, the Wonder Woman of the Bible, intimidating me for years. As someone with the limiting belief, “You’re not enough” playing on repeat, I saw this chapter in Proverbs as a list of accomplishments and qualities I could never attain.

She is described in many translations as the virtuous woman or wife of noble character. The Hebrew word is chayil, which translates as valor, an old word for courage, might, bravery, and determination, but in a military sense. She was a warrior woman!

There are certainly moments, even seasons when it feels like all we can do is survive the surrounding storm, but keeping our eyes on the greatest story is what carries us through and even allows God to open our eyes to those around us. When we are focused on him instead of our circumstances, he can use the most unlikely people and situations to reveal his love to us. He can even use us in our darkest of days to share his story.

What if it were just you in the room, alone in front of your mirror? Who are you?

How you answer this question, how I answer this question shapes our moments, our days, our years. Beliefs lead to emotions that lead to actions. If I believe I am valuable, I feel confident and empowered. That confidence leads me to take action, like loving my coworkers, pursuing a new hobby or even a new career.

My kind and gracious God whispered to my heart, “When you are learning to walk, it’s more wobbling than walking.” My soul took in a deep breath of grace.

As that sweet baby found her way, I watched her parents walking beside her in sheer delight, smiling and laughing. Suddenly, I was watching my own sweet girl taking her first steps. I felt excitement and pride as she approached this milestone. I held my breath with anticipation over each step, ready to catch her, wanting to protect her.

Perhaps that’s the way of mothers and daughters. Daughters step out into the world wanting to do things their own way, not wanting to hear someone say, “You’re just like your mother.” 

I imagine you understood that when I gave you pushback about parenting advice or returned the silk flower arrangement you bought for my apartment. I’m sure I hurt your feelings more than once, but you just loved me anyway. 

Despite my determination to do it my way, our gracious God knew how blessed my life would be if even a small part of who you were could make its way into my heart and mind.