the Proverbs 31 woman...some musings

I had the wonderful privelege of knowing a pretty amazing woman who just recently passed away. She was my high school advisor, so from 9th - 12th grade she hounded us about fundraising, SATs, college prep, snack bars, candy sales. She was certainly a character, there was never a dull moment with her. I think as a selfish teenager she was more of a nuisance and amusing to me, but sadly as in most cases with people I didn't really appreciate her life until it was over.

Her funeral was yesterday and my old pastor used the appropriate passage of the Proverbs 31 woman as her celebration message and it got me thinking.

Is this an actual woman or just a standard?
How would people describe me as compared to this passage?
Am I willing to make the sacrifices to be this woman, for my husband and family? (I know I don't already do it)

I struggle so much with working towards God's approval vs. looking for people's approval... would I just be striving for my husband's and other people approval and attention..OR would I recognize this as becoming more Christ-like.

I feel like there's just so much. How do I be a loving wife, attentive mother, effective minister of the Word in my relationships, good housekeeper, adequate cook, worker outside the home, feed the needy, all while being joyful, not stressed out, and not worried. I've heard that the Prov 31 woman is a good standard and impossible to live out.. but it's still in God's word.

This woman, and Christ gives an example of selflessness..I feel like I've already given enough of myself. I feel like I should be able to keep this little bit of myself.. to myself!

I'm so thankful for a God who is patient, and understnading of my weaknesses, who is faithful in His promises, who gives me the strength to be this woman and more.