This week, the calling to faithfully pursue my children's hearts has been heavy on my mind.

I'm just about six weeks postpartum at the time of writing this, and between a new baby, a house that hasn't been fully put back together after renovations, coming back to work, and an out of state trip this month—there has been a lot to navigate!

I've found myself fretting that there just "isn't enough time" to pour more into the emotional side of my relationship with my two older children.

My husband and I want to build a home culture where long, lingering conversations at the table are felt to be welcome. We want to laugh, enjoy music, really taste our food, and clear ample space for anyone in our home to comfortably ask wondering questions about God's Word and world.

The Proverbs 31 woman models these priorities in so many ways—but most notably in the fact that she opens her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness. The Scriptures elsewhere reveal that attributes like these will make a Proverbs 31 woman "easy to be entreated" and a faithful guide to her family "in the ways of pleasantness" (vs. 26).

Convicting.

When Proverbs 31 Living Feels Intimidating

She was certainly a force to be reckoned with, but a truth nestled in 2 Peter 1:3 can help us cast the burdens of those intimidated feelings onto the Lord.

"According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue..." (2 Peter 1:3)

Notice that the promise of being equipped with everything we need for life and godliness comes through the knowledge of the One who calls us to both glory and virtue.

"Glory" is the powerful beauty of God's presence and handiwork.

"Virtue" is the strength of moral excellence and discipline.

We often focus on the "virtue" and forget the "glory." When we do this, we will inevitably feel overwhelmed by the burden of living up to the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31.

But this verse reminds us that God calls us to glory first—that is, being the recipient of His grace (Divine influence) upon our hearts so that the powerful beauty of His presence and handiwork is evident in our lives.

How I Practically Applied This in My Time-Management This Week

When I approach the nonstop work of motherhood from a perspective that I need to be enough, it's easy to get overwhelmed when thinking about my schedule.

But then I remember: a life-giving home culture (which requires my virtue) will be the result of the beautiful power of His presence in our lives (i.e. His glory).

Worshipful Planning: A Move From Anxious Toil to Surrendered Creativity 

I open my planner, close my eyes, and just meditate on this truth. Then I ask the Lord for wisdom and guidance. I bring all of the fields I know He's called me to plant before Him, and I ask Him how He wants me to prioritize the work of harvesting them. 

This act of worshipful planning helps my anxiety to melt away—unlocking my mind and allowing for creative problem- solving to happen. 

After using my planner, I decide test out inviting my children into my quiet time rhythms.

I let them light the 20-minute mindfulness candle I use, pour them a bit of coffee in tiny mugs, and offer to teach them my inductive study system.

My breath catches as I see the surprised and hungry look on their faces. They run to grab their Bibles, not having to be asked twice. A Bible encyclopedia is brought, too. Maps are pulled out and questions are asked. They're thrilled to use mama's special highlighters. They're 110% engaged.

Daddy comes in from his office for a cup of coffee and happens to see what we're doing. His entire face lights up with joy, and he pumps his fist in the air, congratulating me—quietly, so as to not distract the little scholars pouring over the Word. I beam back, and our hearts silently exchange volumes in just a few moments.

Two hours fly by, and the baby wakes up. My eyes mist as I transition to taking care of the baby and they transition into doing their morning lists.

Their eyes are absolutely shining. Their hearts are full.

Related: Morning and Evening Rhythms That Actually Work

This week, when you come face to face with the reality that Proverbs 31 lifestyle requires significant virtue, remember that the Lord has already done the heavy lifting.

As you feel the temptation to fret that "there just isn't enough time," remember that God is ready to pour out His grace in your life. All He wants you to do is look at Him, open your hands, and embrace the work.

You are His daughter. He will be glorified in your life as you seek Him. Turn to Him, willing to lay aside anything that slows you down from running with full abandoned towards Him and His Kingdom. 

He is faithful to accomplish the good work He has begun in your life.

So go ahead. Take a few quiet moments to sit down with your planner. Pray eagerly—expectantly!—for His wisdom. Get all of the problems rattling around in your head out on paper, surrendering them to Him one by one.

Then put your hand to the plow of planning, and watch the beauty of His holiness flow out of your pen.