Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord

Good morning!
It's Monday, and I've done 20 minutes on the treadmill, and had my Daily Bread. Ok, yesterday was Sunday, and I didn't do all that: we had to leave the house for church by 8.30. Sunday can be an exception, a day of rest!

I'm very happy that the readings (Asian Reflections) are from the book of Proverbs starting yesterday. "At the heart of wisdom is the desire to understand the world and how to live in it, and how to make the best of our short time here. Wisdom is therefore not just accumulated knowledge but also practical guidelines and useful advice." (Anthony Loke)

King Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs for:
attaining wisdom and discipline;
understanding words of insight;
acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young,
adding to the learning of the wise, and giving guidance to the discerning. (1:1-5)

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (1:7)

Saturday night, the Tan family celebrated the matriarch's 80th birthday with a grand dinner: 11 tables, about 100 over people comprising mostly her siblings and other relatives. She has 6 children (4 married sons and 2 unmarried daughters) and 9 grandchildren. It was a time of much thanksgiving for the Lord's grace and mercy, for keeping PorPor so well, physically and spiritually till now. She still cooks every day, every meal, and caters dinner on weekdays for her 2 sons' families! Her younger sisters are not as strong as her. It's her simple faith in the Lord, and her love for her husband (while he was alive) and family, and her keeping active in mind and body, daily thinking up what dishes to cook for her loved ones and numerous invited guests. It's her fear of the Lord that keeps her wise and healthy and strong.

O that I may age as gracefully as she has, to be beautiful within and without, to be strong to the end of my days, actively loving, serving, doing good works for the Lord. It begins with the fear of the Lord. On Mother's Day, Pastor's sermon was from Proverbs 31. May that standard be my aim: to be a virtuous woman, a wife of noble character, a woman who fears the Lord. O Lord, I cannot attain it! Only You can help me to put away foolishness and to pursue wisdom and virtue, by Your grace and mercy.