A Virtuous Wife

          The 1970’s, a time when more and more women were working full time outside the home. However, many women continued trying to manage the full time job of homemaker as well. Judy Brady* writes a satire on the role of a wife. Her writings reflect the demands of a confused society struggling with women’s rights, roles, and with men failing to take responsibility for the support of their families. Her opening paragraph references a recently divorced man in search of a wife. She sees him as someone wanting Wonder Woman, a caretaker, or in essence -- a servant.

          Do I want a wife? Yes! However, not in the fashion that Brady describes. I have a wife and she is a significant part of my life. We are two parts of a greater whole. Because of her, I am becoming a better person.

          I have a wife who loves me and is committed to me. Despite a long list of annoying habits, embarrassing stunts, indecisiveness, and selfishness, she loves me. Because of her, I can believe God loves us in spite of our failures.

          I have a wife who is lovely. Yes, she is excellent for the eyes. She enjoys clothes and wears them well. She takes care of this gift given to her. Her beauty is not merely external but it radiates from within. She is a reflection of the beauty of creation itself; she helps me see the work of the Master Artisan.

          I have a wife who is generous. She enjoys giving gifts and helping others. It could be as simple as a birthday card, or a contribution to someone in need, she is compelled to give materially and of her heart. As a result, I am becoming more generous and am thankful for a charitable God.

          I have a wife who cares for others. She is conscious of the needs and feelings of others. She loves playing the part of hostess, welcoming people into our home. The good china is for all who enter. I am learning to be a more caring and inviting person, just as God is an inviting God, extending his arm of grace.

          I have a wife who knows how to embrace. She warmly gives hugs to all she encounters. It is a hug of acceptance and affirmation as a fellow constituent of the human race. While I am not one to run up and hug a stranger, I am becoming more affirming and know that God loves to place his arms around us all.

          Because of my wife, I am realizing more of my potential to love and to accept love. I am learning more about the God who created marriage. Virtues of my wife are in the ancient scripture of Proverbs 31:10-31

“Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.

    The woman to be admired and praised

    is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

   Give her everything she deserves!

   Festoon her life with praises!” 

         Can a wife be helpful? Yes, but what is important is that we are on the same collaborative journey. Our objective is not one of self-serving, but to complement each other, filling in the gaps by the giving of ourselves. While not perfect, our union is one of permanence; divorce is not in our vocabulary.  

 *Judy Brady’s Essay can be found at
http://www.columbia.edu/~sss31/rainbow/wife.html