“A Tribute to My Wife, Emily, on Her Birthday” – An Adaptation of Proverbs 31:10-31

10 - I have found an excellent wife who is second only to Jesus Christ in my life. No money, fame, relationship, or reputation is better than her.
11 - Even in my most vulnerable moments I trust her, and she makes me a better follower of Christ while serving our family well.
12 - I never fear a disrespectful or contentious attitude—even when I am not present. I take delight in her and look forward to doing so for the rest of our life together.
13 - Her handiwork is growing in creativity and she desires to minister to others through it (see previous blog posts).
14 - I am continually amazed at her frugal spirit and at how she prepares meals for our family.
15 - Her heart turns quickly to the needs of others as she allows the LORD to provide for them.
16 - She focuses on maximizing our income and stretching every penny to its limit.
17 - Her strength and worth comes from a deep understanding of who she is in Christ—in spite of the fact she is smart, intelligent, and very beautiful. And her desire is for me and works diligently on working out her body for that purpose.
18 - She recognizes the Holy Spirit’s gifts in her life in order to be a blessing to others, and many profit from her willingness.
19 - I enjoy seeing her take care of the needs of our home and I delight to assist her tasks.
20 - She realizes that we do not own anything in this world—we only steward it from the LORD—so she is ready to give wherever God leads.
21 - Her care and concern for her family is ever present.
22 - Her beauty comes from her identity in Christ yet it radiates throughout her.
23 - She honors me as second only to Christ for her and supports God’s hand leading our lives.
24 - She looks for new sources of income for our family so we can be more generous.
25 - Her trust is not in a system but in a Person, so regardless of what the future may bring she stands firm in Him.
26 - She is a deep wellspring of wisdom where many turn for counsel and instruction.
27 - She works diligently to ensure the way of her household is right and true.
28 - Her son looks to her as a blessing and I praise Christ for what He is doing through her.
29 - She is not perfect, but I could not ask for anyone better with whom to do life together. There is no other for me.
30 - “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
31 - I love you, my dear wife. May your birthday be filled with the fruit of your hands—those who have received benefit from who God made you to be. I look forward to many more birthdays together.

John