The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe
"Well Done"
As I write these words, my wife Frances is working the last hours of a more than 46 year career in nursing. Most of this has been performed in Labor & Delivery units, where she participated in the births of more than 4,000 babies. She delivered more than 100 herself, when doctors were delayed in arriving on the scene. She has been there for the mothers, the fathers, the families, and of course, the babies. She has mentored hundreds of nurses, has kept as many doctors in line :), has served in supervisory positions, has written and published books about her profession, has taught childbirth classes to hundreds of expectant parents, has participated in trials of new drugs and procedures, and has done innumerably more things as a nurse than I could ever imagine or report. Indeed, the only sad thing about her career I can say is that I have never been able to personally watch her do what she had done.
Most of all, she has brought glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. She has done what she has done through Him, by Him, and for Him. Her countless sacrifices have in so many ways made possible the life and ministry to which God has called us. I cannot tell you how many times she has come with me to services after working the night before, getting little sleep before arising to be a part of our privileged responsibilities. I could tell you of so many other ways her labors in Labor & Delivery have been every been as much a part of what God has called us to do as any other task He laid before us. She is a "doer of the Word" by God's grace and enabling, the greatest I have ever known, or ever will know (James 1:22).
I will be in trouble for having written this. Frances' devotion to the glory of the Lord Jesus leads her to never want attention or credit for what He has led and enabled her to do. I agree with her in this, but some things just must be said. So, to direct all attention and credit to our wondrous God, I have little doubt as this blessed calling and ministry concludes, He would say to His beloved daughter and my beloved wife, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
(Proverbs 31:10-31)
Weekly Memory Verse
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake."
(Philippians 1:29)
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