Proverbs 31:10
Virtue (noun) a beneficial quality, feature, or trait leading to excellence; advantage or goodness.
Hello dear one,
Friday I was the officiant at a memorial for a loved and wonderful wife and mother. After speaking with her daughter, Proverbs 31 came immediately to mind as the topic of my message. She was a faithful wife for 64 years and clearly “her children arise up, and call her blessed” (verse 28). So, my question to you this week is, do you know a virtuous woman or man?
What makes a person virtuous in our culture today? I remember the good, old days when I was a young woman. A first kiss was not payment for taking me to the movies or even out for a lovely dinner. Webster defines a kiss as a touch with the lips as a sign of love, sexual desire, reverence or greeting. I have never greeted anyone with a kiss unless it was with a quick smooch on the cheek of a close friend or relative. That first kiss on the lips was reserved as a sign of genuine affection. And, oh my, how special it was! And moving in together meant that your groom swept his bride into his arms and carried you across the threshold into your new home. Did you catch the word “groom?” Showing my age? Maybe! But I wouldn’t change a moment.
Jim and I taught a course entitled, “Love is a decision” based on a book by Gary Smalley. When a person tells me they are in love, I always ask, “What you do love?” And the answers are telling. I am always looking for virtuous qualities. Not the, “He is so cute.” Maybe I’ll write more next week about love as a decision. For this week, think of a virtuous man or woman you know. What do you admire about him/her? Better question maybe? Are you virtuous? Not too late, start now.
Linda