"She laughs at the time to come"

Maybe, if you're like me, you feel like you don't quite measure up to the "Proverbs 31 woman". I was recently reading through this Proverb and considered some of its verses:

• "She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household..." Me: "She shops at Walmart and when she is really tired she provides frozen pizza for her family."
• "...her clothing is fine linen and purple." Me: "Her clothing is a cotton/polyester blend from the clearance rack at Target."
• ''...she opens her mouth with wisdom..." Me: "She opens her mouth and says something she instantly regrets."
• "...she laughs at the time to come"  Me: "She wrings her hands in worry about what the future holds."

What confidence to be able to laugh at the days to come! I don't believe that has ever been my reaction when considering the future and all the unknowns that lie ahead- unless you count nervous laughter verging on hysteria...

The verse preceding states that "strength and dignity are her clothing". This woman has pride in herself- pride in who God has created her to be and she has the strength to face the days ahead. I have to keep reminding myself that the Lord has equipped me and will continue to equip me for whatever the future holds. There are moments of panic when I dwell on the hurdles that will surely come as I raise my children, continue in ministry and face my own personal struggles. My mind races with questions: "What will I do if..." What will happen when..."

Well, maybe I can't laugh at the days to come yet, but I'm working on it. Right now, I'll try to heed Matthew 6:34: "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."