We have reached another aspect of the Proverbs 31 woman’s life. She clothes her family! While this verse is about the way the virtuous woman dresses her family warmly, there is a lot more than clothes that we can talk about in connection with this verse. What seems to be the main thrust here is that the Proverbs 31 woman is prepared. We are going to look at several ways we can be prepared. and by doing this, make life more simple and relaxed. So, let’s look at this Scripture on being prepared!
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
1. Prepare Your Clothing (Proverbs 31 Scripture on Being Prepared)
We will have a post that talks a lot about our wardrobes in a future Proverbs 31 post. So for now, let’s just take a quick look at this. The Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t fear for the coming of snow and cold. Why? Because she is prepared. She has warm clothes ready for her family and herself, so that whatever comes, they will be ready to stay warm.
Back in the time this Scripture on being prepared was written, having plenty of clothing was not as easy as it is today. The Proverbs 31 woman couldn’t go down to the local thrift store or shopping mall to pick out clothes for her family. No, making clothes was a whole process that started in planting something for the fiber or raising an animal for its hair. We already had a whole post about the process of producing wool and flax.
For us today, getting our clothing is a lot easier. Even if you sew all your clothing, you still probably start with a premade piece of fabric and spool of thread. But, there are still ways that we can be prepared and make things more simple. One way we can do this is to make sure that we have clothing prepared that is suitable for the seasons that we live in.
Another tip is to not keep too many clothes. I know for me, clothing tends to accumalate, and it makes it overwhelming changing out my seasonal clothing when I have too much. My clothing could use another round of slimming down this year. What does your wardrobe need to help you be prepared and make it easy for you to get dressed each day?
2. Prepare Your Meals
Meals are another area of life where it helps to be prepared. In this Proverbs 31 series, I shared with you my family’s simple meal planning tip that can be a game changer.
Meal planning makes life so much simpler. It can save you realizing it is mealtime, and you still haven’t gotten anything out of the freezer to thaw. Of course, meal planning doesn’t actually do the work for you. You need a system! It can be helpful to check your menu the night before in case you need to thaw anything out for the next day.
3. Prepare Your Devotions
Do you ever struggle with not wanting to have your devotions first thing in the morning? I do! Let me share a simple way that you can prepare and make that decision easier for you. Instead of waiting until morning when you are sleepy, you can prepare the night before.
Where do you have devotions? I usually have them in my seat on the loveseat. Wherever you have your devotions, go ahead and prepare your space the night before. Lay out your Bible and anything else that you will need. Take away distractions such as your phone so that when you sit down, it will be a much easier decision to pick up your Bible.
4. Prepare Your Day
Another thing you can prepare is for your day! Instead of letting the day pass by and not being sure what you need to do, it can be very helpful to write out a to-do list. A to-do list should be your friend and encourager and not something to overwhelm you. Start small. Write down just a few things, and when you complete those, you can add to the list if you want to. Writing a giant to-do list can have the effect of making you just as unproductive as if you wrote no list.
I like adding things to my to-do list at the end of the day that I accomplished and checking them off. A combination of pre-planning and post-planning may be just what you need to be prepared and motivated!
5. Prepare Your Rest Time
Work is not the only thing you should plan for. You should also plan for rest and recreation! One reason this is important is because otherwise you might not actually take the time to rest and pursue your interests. Or, you might end up wasting time doing things that really are not helpful when you could be spending that time actually resting or doing the things you enjoy.
6. Prepare Your Habits
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut. If we don’t intentionally build new habits, then we tend to drift through life. Even then, we continue forming habits. But, unplanned habits that we form are usually negative ones. So, let’s be intentional and plan to build good habits!
I recommend using a habit tracker such as this free one in the 28 Day Planner Challenge. Start by writing a list of new habits you would like to develop. Then, add one new habit to your tracker and work on doing it. Don’t add more than one new habit at a time. Wait a bit until that one is becoming more natual, and then you can start on the next one. They may add up faster than you think!
7. Prepare Your Deadlines
This is an important one. We all have deadlines to deal with. Whether it’s paying bills, sending birthday cards, or preparing supper on time, deadlines are a part of life. Since this is true, let’s schedule them in as though they are part of life! It’s a lot better to schedule them and have a plan to complete them on time than to wait until the last minute and panic.
I know how easy it is to end up waiting until the last minute, but I also know how hard it is once you’ve done it. Planning and working on things that have deadlines is one of the best ways you can prepare and be more relaxed.
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Proverbs 31:25
Sign Up!
Are you interested in this Proverbs 31 series? Sign up for more lessons on simple living from the Proverbs 31 woman. Oh, and you’ll automatically get access to all the freebies including shopping lists, a prayer journal, and more!!
Simple Takeaway
- Remember why you should be prepared. As this Scripture on being prepared reminds us, being prepared allows you to relax and not fear for the future.
- Be prepared! Have a plan and prepare instead of waiting until the last minute and being panicked.
- Prepare to spend time with the Lord the night before so that you can start out your day drawing the strength and receiving the fellowship you need.
Let’s Chat!
What are some ways that you like to prepare to make life more relaxing and simple?
Until next time, develop a plan and be prepared!
In Christ,
Bethany
