A Small Checklist

As the kickoff date of August 1st is coming ever closer, I've been mentally struggling with how I'm actually going to take on this whole chapter. I guess that I have divided it down into 4 categories in my mind. There are the Spiritual issues, character issues, physical issues, and the more tangible issues. Obviously, the physical and tangible issues will be the easiest to deal with.

I think that the spiritual issues come down to this: She was disciplined, in managing herself and her household. She was God-fearing, and she was wise. It could also be a part of this category that she knew that she was a rare and precious child of God, but I think that isn't so much a part of this study right now.

Character issues include her trustworthiness, kindness, enterprising spirit, good stewardship, diligence, compassion, and preparedness.

Things that are more tangible (although probably motivated by the Spirit, and developed character) are her joy in working, her frugality, and here generosity.

Finally, in the physical realm, she is elegant and poised, but she also sounds like a pretty energetic and fit kind of woman (verse 17, anyone?).

For me, there are several things from that list that jump out immediately. Having joy, even when I am working, doesn't always happen in my life. If I'm not careful, I can overspend my budget, and that doesn't always lend itself to frugality, or being a good steward. I'm also not a very good steward with my time. It isn't that I don't get everything done, it is that I commit myself to too much stuff, and I get burnt out/sick/am physically unable to do everything. I also struggle with various types of spiritual disciplines, and I'm certainly not girded with strength, and equipped with strong arms. So that area needs work.

Of course, there is room for improvement in every single one of these areas, but those five areas need the most work.

In summary, the first areas that will be attacked are:

1. Joy
2. Frugality
3. Stewardship
5. Spiritual disciplines
4. Being physically fit

and I'll spend the next five posts going into more details about my goals for these areas over the next 40 days.