Blessing our Family

Proverbs 31:10-12 (NKJV)

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband safely trusts her;

So he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good, and not evil, all the days of her life."

I must admit, I am fascinated by the Duggar family. I watch their series on TLC whenever I get the chance. It saddens me to read a lot of the harsh criticism they receive. If people would actually watch the show they would see a godly, loving family. You see a husband who adores and treasures his wife. You see a wife who respects and honors her husband. You see two people who are raising up godly children and work together in this enormous task. Their eldest son, John, and his wife also have a precious marriage and have started a family of their own.

People take issue with the Duggars, yet practically foam at the mouth over the Gosselins. Why is that? I, personally, could not bring myself to watch more than one episode of "Jon & Kate Plus 8". I found the amount of negative tension toward the children and utter disrespect between Jon and Kate disheartening. The difference between Michelle Duggar and Kate Gosselin is simple - Michelle Duggar is a Proverbs 31 wife who shows her husband respect and adoration and exercises patience with her children.

How often do we bless our families? Do we use our mouths to speak negatively toward our husbands? Do we use more time cursing our husband's name to friends and relatives than we do uplifting him? Do we fuss at our children when they spill or mess up their chest of drawers while teaching them independence? Or do we praise them for making the effort?

On Day 12 of the 30 Day Encouragement Challenge it says this:

"How sad that we give more grace to others than to those in our own homes. Today, try

to look at your husband through eyes of grace. Verbally thank your husband for what he

is already doing."

Hoo boy! That one right there really convicted my spirit. How often do I look for fault in my husband and yet gently encourage my mother or sister to not speak ill of strangers and mere acquaintances? How many times have I been swift to criticize my husband over trivial things and yet restrained myself when thinking about others in an attempt to be non-judgmental?

Every day we should be a blessing to our husband and our children. Pray for God's help in this area. Ask Him to help soften your heart and give you a patient spirit. I think we will find when we bless our families that God will enrich our lives in ways we'd never imagine.