A Tribute to the Birthday Girl

The Proverbs 31 woman.  Have you heard of her?  Have you met her?  I am blessed to have her as a grandmother, and to be one of many celebrating her 93^rd birthday.  Like the woman described in Proverbs 31, Clara Whattoff is a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother of noble character.  She is certainly worth far more than rubies, her husband lacks nothing.  She gets up in the dark and provides food for her family (over 26,000 bowls of oatmeal).  She considered a field (and farmhouse, and apartment in Story City) and bought it.  She is clothed in fine linens (clothing has always been her one downfallJ) and her husband is respected.  She is clothed with strength and dignity, and can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her household and never eats the bread of idleness (though she can’t turn down a kringla).  Her children call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  “Your grandma is a mighty fine cook!  She only had seven children; don’t you think she should have a few more?”  

The noblest part of Grandma’s character is her love.  She lives in a way that words aren’t necessary to know her faith.  She lives the 1 Corinthians 13 kind of love:  She is patient and kind.  She doesn’t envy or boast.  She is not rude or self-seeking, does not easily anger, and keeps no record of wrongs.  She always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres.  She has always shared her love with strangers, one time even preparing a meal for the road workers in front of her house.  Anyone arriving at mealtime has always been invited to stay, even if that means giving her portion to the unexpected guest.  She has a gift for showering anyone in her presence with God’s love. 

My dear Grandmother has much to celebrate this year.  She has a husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that love her beyond words.  Each of us has been a beneficiary of her love.  I spend each day attempting to emulate her…by loving pretty things, by laughing, by loving my family well, and most of all by loving the Lord.  

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Proverbs 31:30-31)