Smiling At The Future

"She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come." Proverbs 31:25

A quick one today, as I am slightly under the weather and lack much ability to concentrate. The first thing that comes to mind when I read this verse is the fact that character traits are regarded as clothing. Strength and Dignity. Strength is defined as "the state of being strong- the power to resist force." We've seen in many of the verses before the various areas of this woman's strength. She is financially strong, domestically strong, physically strong, spiritually strong and mentally strong. Wow- that is indeed a strong woman! Dignity is defined as "the state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed." When I think of a woman with dignity, I think of a woman who carries herself well and who has earned the respect of others. So the beginning of this verse-being clothed with strength and dignity- gives me a very visual image of a woman of stature.

Then we get to the second part of the verse, and it just makes me smile. "She can laugh at the days to come." As she thinks about the days ahead of her, weeks, years, etc, she laughs and she smiles and she says that she's ready for it. For God has blessed her with the fortitude to withstand anything, and because she is strong she is prepared for any eventuality. So she laughs away the worries of the future and lives for today- she doesn't worry about the future at all. She focuses her strength and energy on completing today's tasks so that tomorrow she can tackle tomorrow's challenges. What a wonderful example of not worrying about the future. To think about the days ahead and laugh instead of worry would be a true gift indeed. I think it's our human nature to worry- but it's the grace of God and the peace of the Holy Spirit that calms those worries and helps us to laugh at tomorrow.