Proverbs 31 Woman part eight

I have had an overwhelming "to do" list for the past few weeks. I have been thinking about the Proverbs woman and I wonder if she was overwhelmed at times? I have also been praying and here is my opinion; the Proverbs 31 woman is a perfect woman because she isn't a real woman; she is an ideal created by God for inspiration & for a practical pattern to follow. The Bible is so perfect & I remember a long, long time ago, being discouraged when I read certain verses, because they seem impossible to live up to. One particular verse is 1 Peter 3:4 which encourages women to seek after "a gentle & quiet spirit", which God finds precious. I can clearly remember years ago, reading those verses & feeling very, very far from this description. Truthfully, I grew up the oldest of six children & I  handled a lot of responsibility  at a young age. My mother was a single parent & had to work. I grew up with a bossy & loud personality. I could even be rather mean according to my younger siblings. (Sorry about that!) Anyhow I just want to stress that over time, God has taught me that He doesn't condemn me because I fall short of His perfect standards. As I work closely now with my grandchildren & boys with special needs, I find myself cringing when I speak just a little harshly or loudly but I know God is STILL working on my spirit. It will NEVER be perfectly quiet or gentle but God is changing me into that new woman by His Holy Spirit. I believe the Proverbs 31 woman is a perfect example for us women so let's continue to study her in faith & see what interesting things God will continue to show us! But let us not be discouraged!  Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia