Now where do we read about the Virtuous Woman during Thanksgiving time? Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday...or is it? What often happens at Thanksgiving time when relatives from near and far come together to partake of that fine meal prepared by the ladies (and men) and children? This is a time that is supposed to reflect appreciation for one another’s efforts, and to relax and reflect on a year gone by ... the end of harvest for some, the beginning of Christmas festivities for others... or maybe it’s a time of sadness or loneliness or bitterness. What about the Proverbs 31 woman? How can she make this time of year special?

Thanksgiving means literally – the giving of THANKS. The woman of virtue the Bible speaks of, that woman with godly character is going to go out of her way to make sure this time of year is just that. And with a grateful heart she will see to it, that she has set the example for her family.

There are ways a woman of virtue can express traits that rub off on other people. Let’s look at a few of her godly characteristics... those Christian Graces that are especially needed during any holiday season.

A woman of virtue is "Christ-like" in action whether she is cleaning the turkey, making her invitation list for the table, cooking, scrubbing the house, dressing herself and her table to match the occasion, sharing chores with her daughters, or passing the plate at mealtime.

"She is like the merchants’ ships: she bringeth her food from afar." (We decided to grow our own turkey this year! Scrappy... watch your head.)

"She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms." (Scrappy must weigh 40 pounds by now. He’s is going to be difficult to lift in and out of that oven!!)

"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." (There may be someone coming to dinner who hasn’t much to offer. Just their presence will be enough for the Virtuous Woman and she will welcome them with open arms and teach the same to the rest of the family. The Virtuous Woman has this gift of hospitality!)

"She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple." (Even if it is last year’s dress, the Virtuous Woman wants to welcome her guests as a fine hostess. This is a time for pampering. Get out that old iron and buy a can of spray starch. Freshen up the linens and make sure the creases are straight in the husband’s shirt and the hem of the skirt.)

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." (This woman keeps the conversation at the table on an even keel and uplifting to the Lord.)

"...The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." (The virtuous woman, in God’s eyes is holy. She doesn’t speak unkindly of others. She is careful with the example she sets to others. She teaches her daughters especially to have the traits of a godly woman of virtue and shows them by example how they, too should set examples to their family and to keep God in their home life.)

As women of God, let’s consider these thoughts as we go to be with our families. May our hands be extended hand at all times. May we walk in truth, live in truth, present ourselves as representatives of truth, and strive for the same in our daughters.

Lord God we pray that we all can be the women you have called us to be. Help us to set the example. You have given us the instruction. With Jesus Christ we can do it. Make this Thanksgiving season a time of joy and rejoicing, and a time when families can come together in peace and love. Work miracles in dysfunctional families and shine your light in the homes that have allowed you in. In your name we ask this. Amen.