Leaving Imprints (from 31 Days of Encouragement – Miriam)

“A WORTHY WIFE IS HER HUSBAND’S JOY AND CROWN…” Proverbs 12:4

“SHE CAREFULLY WATCHES ALL THAT GOES ON IN HER HOUSEHOLD…” Proverbs 31:27

“…OLDER WOMEN MUST TRAIN THE YOUNGER WOMEN TO LOVE THEIR HUSBANDS AND THEIR CHILDREN…” Titus 2:4

There are many ways to leave an imprint on someone’s life. I believe the way in which I will leave imprints is to passionately pursue becoming a crown to my husband, a haven to my children and a compass to younger women.

Proverbs 12:4 goes on to say, “…a shameful wife saps his strength.” I believe God has called me to leave an imprint on my husband’s life by building him up, not sapping his strength. I can build him up by speaking words of encouragement to him, by loving him unconditionally, and by praying for him. Over the years Jim and I have been married, there have been many times when I did not make the wise choice to speak kind, encouraging words. However, when I choose to respond in the right way, Jim’s response to me is the same. When I pray for Jim and let him know that I am doing that, he knows he is not alone in his daily struggles and battles.

Over the years as our three children have grown up, I tried to make our home a haven – a place where they felt safe and loved and where they wanted to bring their friends. However, more than anything I personally want to be a haven to them. I desire to live in such a way around my children that I will be one of the first people they come to no matter what is going on in their lives, leaving an imprint of stability and godly character. I can remember specific times in each of our children’s lives when things were difficult. Thankfully, they chose to come to me for guidance, love, protection. I was able to point them to the Lord and His Word for each of their circumstances. Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children stand and bless her….” I pray that my children will one day be able to do the same.

Finally, I want to leave a lasting imprint as an older woman in the lives of the young women God brings across my path. They may be younger physically or just spiritually. Titus 2:5 goes on to say that older women are to train the younger women to “live wisely and be pure; to take care of their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.” There are so many “younger” women who simply need encouragement to live the life to which God has called them. I am thankful for the older women who helped me and the younger women the Lord has brought my way for me to mentor or disciple.

How will you leave imprints? Will it be on your husband or children or a friend along life’s way?