This is the last of five connected stories – I wrote them all as “Life Lesson assignments” when I was in the Bible study 5 Aspects of Woman, intending to one day share them with my daughter and start teaching her about Biblical Womanhood. This aspect is “Glory of Man.”

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Eva had been the Wise Woman within the castle’s walls for two years. She was daily amazed at the truth of her own Wise Woman’s promise that she would know what to say and what to do as she let the King’s words permeate her soul. She had moments of self-doubt, of course, but she had been thrilled to see the truth of His message touch hearts of women He had sent her way. There had been those who had chosen to return to the village – most, in fact, turned their backs on the King’s offer. This never ceased to surprise Eva and break her heart at the same time. She knew her only hope of continued effectiveness to was to stay connected to the King, and she found herself perpetually drawn back to His letters and to others who knew Him.

It was their oldest daughter’s birthday. “Who knew thirteen years could pass so quickly!” thought Eva, putting the last swirls of yellow frosting on Ruth’s favorite cupcakes. In a few hours, their house would be bursting with family and friends, all gathering to celebrate this milestone in Ruth’s life. She smiled silently as she thought of the gift she and Adam had purchased for her – she knew Ruth, lover of all things beautiful, would be thrilled to see the birthstone ring engraved with her name. It would be a good day, no doubt. Eva heard a knock at the door and hurried to answer it, hoping that it was not a guest coming three hours early! Curiosity lit up her eyes as the royal messenger greeted her. “A package for you, ma’am.”

Eva quietly closed the door and went to sit at the table. Only a handful of times had a royal messenger visited her, and the memories of each visit flooded her heart with emotion. The small package was familiar, and when she saw the royal insignia on the attached envelope, she knew without a doubt that the letter was in the King’s own hand.

My dearest Eva,

What a day for your family! I know that you must be busy preparing for your Ruth’s birthday, but I felt it was the right time to send this. You have waited patiently for this key, and it is my delight to give it to you. My only request is that you share this with Ruth. I trust that you have been explaining the other treasures to her as she grew and matured, and now this last one is a birthday gift to you both. Please wish her a happy birthday from me – she is dear to my heart.

With love to you and yours,
King Adon

The final key. With trembling hands, Eva opened the package to reveal the golden key. “What could it be?” Eva wondered, suddenly freshly aware of how much she missed her wise friend. What if she didn’t know what the treasure meant, let alone be able to explain it to Ruth? As she walked quickly to retrieve her golden box from the mantle, she silently thanked Adam for taking all of the children with him to get the food for the party.

The anticipation always seemed nearly unbearable when she was about to open a new treasure, and this time was no exception. The key rattled in the lock, and Eva noticed how badly her hands were shaking. Finally, that familiar click, and the last compartment yawned open. Eva reached in and pulled out the most intricate bridal headpiece she had ever seen, followed by a gorgeous, flowing veil trimmed in satin and pearls.

Tears instantly sprang to her eyes, and through laughter and tears she said aloud, “King Adon, what are you doing to me? A bridal veil for my daughter’s thirteenth birthday?” And then, with a surge of affection for her gracious and loving King who knew her so intimately, she noticed a small linen handkerchief folded at the bottom of the box, embroidered with her initials. As she withdrew it, a small slip of parchment fluttered to the ground. Eva gingerly picked it up and read the following words, “Adorned, Adoring, Awaiting the Day.”

With great difficulty, Eva locked her last treasure up and went back to the comparatively mundane details of cleaning and preparing their house. As she worked, Eva mulled the meaning of this last treasure over in her mind. She had an idea of what it would mean, but was not crystal clear. Adorned, Adoring, Awaiting the Day… Adorned, Adoring, Awaiting the Day. As she turned the words over and over in her mind, she could almost hear the Wise Woman saying in her ear, “You will have something to say as you let the King’s words steep in your soul.” Eva chuckled to herself and said aloud, “I hope they steep quickly, because right now this tea is mighty weak!”

The party came and went in a flurry of laughter, gifts, and comfortable conversation with loved ones. As the children helped to clean up the house, Eva grinned as she saw Ruth stop to gaze at her new ring several times. If she thinks that’s an exciting present, wait until she hears she received a gift from King Adon! She thought to herself. As the day had gone by, the Wise Woman’s words again proved true as the meaning of the King’s words suddenly crystallized in her mind. Adorned, Adoring, Awaiting the Day. Indeed we are, my King.

Later that evening, Adam readied the other children for bed and Eva put her arm around Ruth’s waist. “Can I interest the birthday girl in some tea?” She boiled the water and prepared the teapot, and they comfortably settled at the table together. How many times had they done this? It was a cheering and familiar ritual to them both. “Ruth, I have another surprise for you.” “You do?” Ruth eagerly replied. “But, you and Dad already gave me this beautiful ring – I love it, Mom. Thank you!” Eva smiled and put her hand on her daughter’s. “Well, this surprise isn’t from us. It’s from the King.”

Ruth’s eyes filled with wonderment as Eva went to retrieve the treasure box, along with the letter and key the King had sent earlier that day. They read the letter together, and Ruth wiped tears from her face. “How did he know it was my birthday, Mom?” “Ruth, I don’t think we will ever understand how deeply he knows us and how much he loves us. When he said that you are dear to his heart, he truly meant it. You remember the story about when I got this, right?” Eva said, pulling the tiara from the first compartment. “Here I was, living in rebellion to the King, and I was astounded to find out how well he knew me. Beyond that, he had watched me turn my back on him and he loved me deeply enough to call me back! In fact, the King sent this treasure box to me as a gift on my birthday. I have a feeling that he loves to celebrate us – in reality, it is a celebration of him and all he’s done for us.”

At this point, Eva produced the fifth key. “Are you ready to open your present?” Eva understood exactly how her daughter was feeling as she ran her fingers over the design in the key and slowly inserted it into the lock. She gasped as the compartment opened, revealing the headpiece and veil within. “Oh, Mom! This is gorgeous!” As any young girl would do, she ran to the hall mirror to try it on. “He sent this for me? I can’t believe I get to wear this on my wedding day!” She turned to Eva, who smiled but could not restrain her tears at the sight of her young daughter dressed as a bride. “Oh, Mom. I’m not getting married today, you know.” “I know, sweetie. I just can’t help it. But look at this – the King even knew I would need to wipe my eyes!” She showed Ruth the handkerchief and they burst into laughter together.

After they had inspected the gift together, Eva said, “Well, Ruth, obviously you know that this veil is more than a gift for your future wedding day. Each treasure has a deep meaning about what it means to be a woman in the King’s design. He also included this.” She produced the slip of parchment and Ruth’s brow furrowed in thought as she read aloud, “‘Adorned, Adoring, Awaiting the Day.’ What does that mean, Mom? Is he talking about my wedding?” “Well, yes and no,” replied Eva. “Let’s take one part at a time. What do you think he means by ‘Adorned’?”

“Well, obviously a bride is adorned and beautifully dressed for her wedding. It takes months to plan and hours and hours to prepare for the ceremony. All of us dream about our dress and how beautiful we will look!” “Right,” said Eva, thinking to herself of how lovely she felt on the day she married Adam. “Women were made to enjoy and create beauty. We love the idea of being a bride, because it is the day we feel the most beautiful! We create beauty around us as we style our hair, decorate our homes, plant flowers, make jewelry, whatever! Being adorned is an important aspect of being feminine. While we are on the subject, look at how pure and white this veil is. Women have been given a sacred gift to guard – our own purity. Being covered is a very feminine trait, as well, and it is a protection the King has given us. The outside world likes to tell us that being uncovered is feminine, but really, they have it backward. Covering ourselves and remaining pure is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our husbands, and it makes us even more beautiful and appealing to them.”

“Now, what do you think ‘Adoring’ means?” “I guess it means that the bride should really love the groom. She should be excited to see him.” Eva smiled and nodded encouragingly. “Yes, that’s true! Women should respond to men, particularly their fathers and husbands, in adoration. Why do you think people always comment that you are a ‘Daddy’s girl’?” Ruth thought for a minute and said, “Well, I guess because I love being around him and spending time with him. I feel safe with Dad, and I know he loves me and will take care of me.” “Absolutely! When you get married, you are to adore your husband in a similar way. As wives, part of our role is to let our husbands know we love to be with them, feel safe with them, and are proud of who they are.”

“There is another aspect of adoration, as well, that applies specifically to marriage. Remember what I just said about the veil illustrating the feminine aspect of being covered? Well, what does the husband do with the wife’s veil after they have been pronounced husband and wife?” Ruth smiled and said, “He lifts the veil and kisses her!” Eva agreed, “Yes. The covering of modesty that protects us is to be lifted by only one – in the context of marriage, we are to be physically open, available, and responsive to our husbands.”

“Now, what about ‘Awaiting the Day’?” Eva asked. Ruth thought for a few moments, and Eva noticed that she was hesitating. “What do you think?” she encouraged. “Well, I was going to say ‘I’m waiting for my wedding,’ but I think it’s more than that. I’m just not sure what.” Eva smiled. “Actually, you’re right on both counts. You are waiting for your wedding day, but there is a bigger story happening here, as well as with all three of these ideas.

“You see, marriage is, in many ways, a shadow of a bigger idea. Let’s say that you had never seen the castle, but you had seen its shadow. Would you know anything about the castle itself?” Ruth gave her mom a crooked smile. “Well, I would know that it was big. I would be able to see the outline of all of the turrets and towers, so I would know it was a pretty amazing place. But, I wouldn’t realize how truly beautiful it was without seeing it myself!” “Absolutely,” Ruth agreed. “Marriage is a little like the shadow of the castle. When people look at a marriage between people who know and love the King, they are seeing a shadow of what the King’s love for the people in His Kingdom is like.” “What?” Ruth said with a puzzled look. “I don’t get it.”

Eva smiled. “I know, it’s a hard idea. Let’s talk about all three parts of the message again. When the King says ‘Adorned,’ he’s referring not only to women in beautiful dresses waiting to be married, but to people who love him and are preparing to meet him. How do you think a groom would feel if the bride didn’t bother to dress up or fix her hair for their wedding?” “He would probably feel hurt and wonder if she cared about him at all,” Ruth said thoughtfully, and then asked, “So what does that mean to be adorned for the King?” Eva nodded and said, “Just like women beautify themselves for their wedding, to be adorned for the King means that we show through our lives that we are setting ourselves apart for Him. Our actions, attitudes, thoughts, and words should beautify us by showing that we have a higher purpose – the calling of bringing praise and glory to our King. And, like our physical purity, keeping our thoughts and lives pure gives the King even more glory and shows that we are faithful to Him.”

“Now, let’s think about what Adoring would mean. We already said that to adore your husband means to let our husbands know we love to be with them, feel safe with them, and are proud of who they are. It also refers to how our modesty outside of marriage becomes exclusive access and responsiveness inside marriage. So, what do you think it means to ‘adore’ the King?” Ruth paused for a few moments and then said, “Well, I guess it’s similar to being adorned in that you show that He is important, but this time more in your affections and thoughts than in what you do.” Eva beamed. “That is so insightful, Ruth! Yes, the King should be the center of our hearts. Our love for Him and constant reflection on who He is should spill out of our lives and be contagious to other people. We should be proud of who He is and what He has done, and boldly tell other people about it! We also are supposed to be exclusively available and responsive to the King – we should have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him than with anyone or anything else, holding nothing back from Him.”

“Ok, Ruth, so now that we’ve talked about the bigger idea behind the shadow of marriage, what do you think ‘Awaiting the Day’ means?” Ruth laughed quietly and said, “You know, I think so often about what my wedding will be like. What my husband will look like and how he will treat me, how beautiful my dress and flowers will be, having all of our family and friends there… and now I’m realizing that my wedding day shouldn’t be nearly as big of a deal to me as the day I will see the King face to face. I think that is the Day that should be consuming my thoughts and bringing me excitement.” Eva was nearly jumping out of her chair. “Yes, Ruth! Absolutely! That is THE Day that we should be waiting for on the edge of our seats! All other days, no matter how wonderful, will pale in comparison to the King waiting to see you.”

Eva and Ruth stayed at the table and talked late into the night, until finally Adam came out to tease them about keeping him awake. As Eva turned the lights out, she stood at the mantle for a long time, looking at her treasure box. The mystery was finally revealed. What a beautiful gift the King had given them both, starting years ago on her own birthday. After a few minutes, Eva felt Adam’s arms around her waist as he began to kiss the back of her neck. “My beautiful Eva – inside and out,” he said quietly. She smiled and leaned into his embrace. They turned the last light out and stole back to their room together. Adorned, Adoring, Awaiting the Day. What a picture, King Adon! Eva thought quietly. With a shadow this lovely, I can’t wait to see the rest.

Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ,
and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God…
A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God;
but the woman is the glory of man.
-I Corinthians 11:3

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,
for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.
They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and will be their God’…
The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’
Whoever is thirsty, let him come;
and whoever wishes let him take the free gift of the water of life.
-Revelation 21:1-3, 22:17

Proverbs 31 graphics from A Pondering Heart

This is the fourth of five connected stories – I wrote them all as “Life Lesson assignments” when I was in the Bible study 5 Aspects of Woman, intending to one day share them with my daughter and start teaching her about Biblical Womanhood. This aspect is “Lady of Wisdom.”

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Eva and Adam’s home had become a bustling, lively corner of King Adon’s kingdom. Four children now filled their home with laughter, chatter, and seemingly endless work! Friends, young and old, daily added to the sounds of life and love within their walls, and Eva had become well known for her abilities and the service she provided to others.

Eva often reflected on how different her life was than 15 years earlier when she had first come back to the castle. She had become a different person entirely, and she marked her changes in hours with the Wise Woman, cups of steaming tea in their hands and a letter from King Adon spread before them. Her attention often drifted to the golden box sitting on her mantle. After countless afternoon spent with the Wise Woman, she wondered if her friend would ever produce that fourth key! Years had gone by since the third compartment had revealed the seeds of life. Curiosity and impatience had to continually be pushed aside.

One afternoon as Eva savored the quiet of her young children’s naps and her oldest children reading in their rooms, a knock sounded at the door. Eva was surprised to see the Wise Woman standing with an expectant smile on her face. Eva hugged her warmly and welcomed her in. After brewing some tea, the women settled at the table together.

“Eva, I received a letter today from the King. The day has finally come – I have been called to personally serve in the king’s presence.” “How wonderful!” Eva exclaimed. “What an honor!” “Yes, it is,” the Wise Woman agreed, “I have waited for this letter for many years. But Eva, you must understand – when I go to the King, I won’t be coming back.”

Silence filled the room as Eva realized what she was being told. Finally she said softly, “You’re not coming back? But what will I do without you?” The Wise Woman smiled kindly and placed her hand on Eva’s. “Dear one, we have had many hours together, haven’t we? But the truth is you don’t need me – you have all of King Adon’s letters and instruction, and you have learned what I have taught you and have lived it out magnificently.”

“But what about the others? There are so many who need to learn what you have taught me!” Eva objected. Her friend smiled, “How appropriate that you bring that up.” The Wise Woman reached into her pocket and produced the long awaited fourth key. “Today?” Eva said, somewhat dejectedly. “Yes, my dear – this is an exciting lesson!”

Eva went to the mantle and took down her golden treasure box. She placed it on the table with care and inserted the key. As the compartment opened, Eva’s brow furrowed in confusion. Inside the velvet-lined compartment was a tiny porcelain tea pot, painted in exact miniature to the Wise Woman’s familiar one. “What does this mean?” Eva asked tentatively. “Eva, describe what we do when we meet together.” “Well, you prepare the tea. We sit down together and discuss whatever is happening in our lives. We usually talk about King Adon’s plans and desires for His kingdom, and often we read His letters together. Sometimes you teach me skills that help me care for my family and serve others.” The Wise Woman smiled and nodded. “Yes, much has been taught and learned over my tea pot. Now it is time for your own legacy of wisdom. Eva, the King has appointed you to take my place. You are the next Wise Woman!”

“What?!” Eva exclaimed. “I can’t! I won’t know what to say! I’ll never be able to do this!” She burst into tears and grabbed the Wise Woman’s hands. “Please don’t go! I need you here!” The Wise Woman hugged her and let her compose herself. “Dear one, you have learned more than you realize. I have met with many women from the village over the years, but most rejected the message. Some came to the kingdom, but would not continue to learn from me after the first several treasures. You have learned. You are not a simple peasant anymore! You have listened, obeyed, pondered the ways of the King, and now are ready. You have become wise.”

“But, I won’t know what to do or what to say…” Eva protested. At this, the Wise Woman poured a second cup of tea for both of them. “Eva, why do we let the tea steep before we drink it?” “The tea has to have time to infuse the water with flavor. The longer it is in the water, the more you taste it.” “Eva, you just answered your question. You will have something to say as you let the King’s words steep in your soul. The more time spent with Him and His words, the more you ‘taste’ like Him as you pour yourself into others.” Eva considered this and began to understand in a new way why she had been so drawn to the Wise Woman – she had the aroma of the King she loved.

“But how will I know what to do?” “Do as I did for you, Eva. The King will continue to call the simple from the village and will send them to you. Speak the truth to them. If they accept it, continue to teach them as long as they will listen and obey. If they refuse, understand that they are rejecting truth, not you. The King will continue to call them – but until they will obey, your job is done. When you have a learner who wishes to know you well and loves the King, mentor her as I have done for you. Pour your life into her and always point her to the King. Always remember – the King will send them to you and you must point them to Him. Our role is nothing if it does not give glory to the King.”

“This teapot signifies all of these things. Ponder the King’s words and let them infuse every aspect of your being. If someone will come, pour yourself into her. Make your table a place of lasting change as mine has been for you.”

Eva was quiet for a long time after the Wise Woman left. It had been a tearful afternoon. How she dreaded her final goodbye to this dear friend. Soon, the sounds of her children waking and talking to one another broke her reverie. Eva smiled when her oldest came to the table and asked, “Mom, may I have some tea?” Her work was just beginning.

Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars.
She has prepared her food and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the highest point of the city.
‘Let all who are simple come in here!’ she says to those who lack judgment.
‘Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding…
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.’
Proverbs 9:1-6, 10

Proverbs 31 graphics from A Pondering Heart

This is the third of five connected stories – I wrote them all as “Life Lesson assignments” when I was in the Bible study 5 Aspects of Woman, intending to one day share them with my daughter and start teaching her about Biblical Womanhood. This aspect is “Lifegiver.”

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In time, Eva had learned to appreciate her role as a ruler of her own domain, helping Adam be the ruler King Adon had appointed him to be. She began to flourish within their home, using her skills and gifts to create a sanctuary that was orderly, welcoming, and made Adam and others feel at home and at rest within its walls. She had learned more about what it meant to be Adam’s helper, and although she still rebelled against it at times, she had found a sense of security and fulfillment by his side, recognizing and appreciating their differences. She had continued to meet with the Wise Woman often, being challenged and strengthened by the older woman’s understanding arid insight into King Adon and his plan for those in his kingdom.

The day eventually came when Eva realized that she was pregnant with their first child. She and Adam were thrilled, and soon their happy news spread throughout the castle. The Wise Woman was overjoyed when she heard the news, and soon Eva received a small package from this faithful friend. Eva quickly unwrapped the gift as soon as it arrived at her door, and beamed when she saw the familiar key. It was time for another compartment to be unlocked! Around the key was wrapped a note in the Wise Woman’s familiar handwriting.

Dear Eva-

I am so happy to hear the news of your pregnancy! What a blessing to you, my little one. Now that you are embarking on this next stage of your life as a woman, I think it is time to open your next treasure.

Please meet me tomorrow for tea, but rather than coming to my house, meet me in the castle garden – and don’t forget your treasure box! We have much to discuss.

The next day, Eva could hardly wait to go meet the Wise Woman. She looked at the special shelf where she kept her treasure box and the treasures she had unlocked thus far, and she couldn’t help but think of the amazing changes the first two had already made in her life. Her first treasure had been a tiara, but most importantly, she had found out who she was – born as royalty, loved by the King, destined to rule. It was hard to remember what her life was like before she received her treasure box from the King and first met the Wise Woman that day. Eva frowned as she thought about the dingy shack she had lived in, alone, hungry, and without purpose in her life. How did she not realize there had to be something more?

Next, she had been given her golden heart. With an inward chuckle, she remembered how angry and hurt she had been when she received the letter from King Adon. She had learned so much since then about the privilege it was to be her husband’s helper, working together in their calling to rule. Now that they had been married for a while, she knew what skill and dedication it took to manage the workings of their home and support her husband the way he needed her to. She loved being his wife more than she could ever have imagined – and had come to realize what an honor it was to stand at his side. She knew she didn’t have that mastered – she still had days that she resented the work she had to do and that he was so much more visible in the kingdom – but she was growing and her heart was changing, becoming much more like the pure golden heart that sat on her shelf.

Those first two treasures had both been so unexpected, so life changing – what could possibly be next? Eva shook herself from her daydreaming and looked around her. She had work to be done before she left for tea. She got up and put the loaves of bread to rise near the stove and sorted the pile of clothing she needed to wash that afternoon. She made a note of several sick friends she needed to visit, and then went outside to water her garden before changing her clothes and getting ready to meet her friend.

The afternoon was bright and clear, and Eva breathed deeply the scent of the blooming flowers as she walked down the garden path. The Wise Woman caught her eye and waved from a corner of the garden, and Eva noticed she had a small table positioned among the roses and beautifully set for tea. Eva smiled and shook her head – this older woman had become so dear to her, and she was always surprising Eva with the way she could create a warm welcoming presence wherever she went.

Eva hurried over to her and set her treasure box on the table, giving the Wise Woman a warm hug. “How beautiful!” she exclaimed. “Did you even arrange for a clear sunny day for us?” The Wise Woman laughed and nodded, “it is a beautiful day to be near the King, is it not?” Indeed, one of the greatest lessons Eva had learned from this woman was valuing time spent near the King. They read his letters together, discussed his plans for the kingdom, and delighted in being near his home. The castle looked even more grand from this beautiful spot.

An hour flew by as they caught up on events of life and laughed together. Eventually, the Wise Woman smiled and said, “are you ready to open your next compartment?” “Am I ever!” exclaimed Eva. “The first two treasures were so amazing, I can’t imagine what could be next.” Eva pulled out her key and at the Wise Woman’s nod, she inserted it into the keyhole and the third compartment opened with that same familiar click. Ever so slowly, Eva lifted the lid, and curiosity shone in her eyes as she pulled out a small waxen pouch filled with flower seeds. “Is this a trick to have me work in the castle garden?” she teased. “In a way, it is!” replied her companion.

“Eva, women are gifted and called to receive and nurture seeds of growth. You are experiencing this physically in a profound way. You received seeds of life and are nurturing a tiny baby inside of you. That baby depends on your body to sustain life and create an environment where he or she will grow and develop into a beautiful little child, able to sustain life on his own. In a different, but no less profound way, we receive and nurture seeds of life spiritually and emotionally. King Adon has placed you in a particular part of the kingdom, with Adam as your husband, and other people all around you. You have a calling to invest in their lives, nurturing them, caring for them, compassionately supporting the weak and sometimes pruning the strong for more healthy growth. Your life calling is very similar to the individuals who work this gorgeous garden we sit in – the life and beauty around us is a direct result of their careful labors.”

As the Wise Woman spoke, the two women walked slowly through the fragrant sections of the royal garden. The blooms seemed to echo the words being spoken, their fragility and dependence illustrated in the delicate petals. As the Wise Woman paused, they passed through a small garden gate into a section Eva had never seen before. Behind the stone wall was a vastly different scene. Weeds had overtaken this section of the garden, choking out any flowers and vegetables that might have once been planted there. The path was overgrown and dry briar bushes, prickly and sharp, lined the beds rather than the lush vegetation that flourished on the opposite side of the wall.

“What happened to this garden?” asked Eva. “Well,” answered the Wise Woman, “I wanted you to see this in order to show you what happens when we choose not to nurture seeds of life. King Adon had commissioned several women to care for this portion of the garden. Unfortunately, all of them left the village to rule themselves, as you yourself had done. These women, unlike you and the others living within the castle, chose to ignore the King’s invitation to return. So, their gardens have been untended, suffering the effects of neglect, being overtaken by weeds.”

“I think I’m seeing your point,” Eva commented sadly. “In neglecting our responsibilities to give life, we choose to give death.” “Exactly, Eva. We either choose to glorify the King with the beauty we cultivate, or we choose to sacrifice life to the selfishness and destruction of our own hearts. People around us will flourish and blossom with our loving attention, or we will wound and destroy them. Now that you are having your own child…” “the stakes are higher,” Eva finished her thought with gravity in her voice.

Eva walked home slowly, fingering the packet of seeds and thinking about the life she carried. A heavy responsibility, but a high calling. She finished her tasks she had begun that morning, very conscious of the effects each of her actions would have. “I choose to nurture life,” she thought often. She finished her baking, considering how the food she prepared could nurture life or death. She washed and ironed Adam’s clothes, conscious of how much he benefited from her hard work. She looked at her list of tasks of the day and prepared to go visit her sick friends. Before she left, she went out to her garden and cut a few flowers to brighten their homes, glancing at the castle as she walked down the street. “I will choose to nurture life and glorify you, my King. Thank you for using me to bring beauty to your kingdom.”

Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.
Genesis 3:20

‘I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.
So now I give him to the Lord.
For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.’
And he worshiped the Lord there.
I Samuel 1:27-28

‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered.
‘May it be to me as you have said.’…
And Mary said, ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name.’
Luke 1:38, 46-49

Proverbs 31 graphics from A Pondering Heart

This is the second of five connected stories – I wrote them all as “Life Lesson assignments” when I was in the Bible study 5 Aspects of Woman, intending to one day share them with my daughter and start teaching her about Biblical Womanhood. This aspect is “Helper-Completer.”

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Months flew by for Eva as she settled into life in the castle. Soon she found herself living every girl’s dream – she was to be married to a prince! Prince Adam was everything she had ever dreamed of- she just knew life was going to be perfect!

A week after Eva’s beautiful wedding, the Wise Woman heard a loud pounding on her door. As she opened the door, she was startled as Eva stormed into the house, tossing her golden box onto the table and throwing her tiara on the floor. “Rule! You told me the king wanted me here to rule! What kind of sick joke are you people playing?” The Wise Woman took a deep breath. “Eva, you’re upset. Calm down and tell me what happened.” “What happened? I’ll tell you what happened – the king reneged! He took it back! I’m not a ruler at all – we should lock this tiara back in the box because I surely won’t need it!”

Eventually, the Wise Woman calmed Eva enough to convince her to sit down. Eva sat rigid in the chair, refusing to relax. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so betrayed. “Eva, my dear – it is obvious that you are very upset and feel like you have been tricked. I have an idea what this might be about, but I want to hear what happened from you. Please start at the beginning.”

Eva took a breath and steadied her voice. “Well, at first, it was great. After I talked to you I was shown to my own bedroom in the castle. Did you know that the King already knew all my favorite colors and decorated it just the way I’d want it? I felt so special! I went through training and learned more about the King and His plan for the kingdom. I was learning so much and was very excited to start ruling with him.

During the training, I met Adam. He was wonderful! He was new to the castle, too – and had also just learned about his call to rule with the King. We spent hours upon hours walking within the castle walls, discussing our past, our treasure boxes from the King, and the exciting things we were going to be doing.”

“And then…” the Wise Woman prompted her. “Well, the wedding was wonderful. I was just getting settled into our new home together, and then this morning a messenger came with this letter.” Eva meekly produced a rumpled letter that looked like it had been crumpled in a ball, smoothed out again, cried on, torn in two pieces, and taped back together. “I just was so shocked. I didn’t know what to do – so I came here.” The Wise Woman took the letter in her hand and read aloud (it took some effort to read the crumpled, torn, soggy writing).

Adam and Eva-
I cannot tell you how excited I was to see you join together in marriage. As you are learning in your training, marriage is part of the beautiful plan 1 have for strengthening my kingdom and spreading the message of remembering your royalty! I know you two will bring honor to my name throughout the region.

Now as a married couple, you have an assignment to rule together. Adam, you are the
leader. You are to take the initiative in carrying out my plans and providing for your family. You will have an active, visible role in the ruling of the kingdom. Eva, you are Adam’s helper. You will be mostly behind the scenes, helping him to stay true to the assignment, caring for the practicalities of your home (and eventually, for raising your children). You are a ruler as well, but your role is largely a supportive one.

I know that you probably have questions. This will be discussed more deeply in your training manual. There are also many established married couples who are ruling together well in the kingdom – surround yourselves with them.

Sincerely,
King Adon

As the Wise Woman read, Eva wept. She cried harder and harder until eventually she was drowning out the older woman’s strong voice. At the conclusion of the letter, the Wise Woman waited for several long minutes while Eva composed herself. Eventually, Eva muttered, “you said I was going to rule. I’m not ruling at all – I’m just the household help!” At this declaration, the Wise Woman rose from her seat and poured two cups of steaming tea. After she put the tea on the side table, she carried over the golden treasure box and placed it gently on Eva’s lap. She settled back into her seat as Eva regained composure yet again. “I think, my little one, that it is time to open your next compartment.”

Another golden key was produced from the side table, and Eva again marveled at the intricacy of the design. She placed the key into the lock and it opened with the same soft click as the first compartment. Inside was a piece of gold shaped into a beautiful smooth heart. Eva lifted it out and held it in her palm. “I don’t think I understand.”

“Eva, which could your body function without – your head, or your heart?” “I need both. My brain tells the body what to do, my heart keeps the body alive by circulating the blood.” “Right. In the same way, your home and marriage cannot survive without Adam as the head, or leader, and you as the heart, listening and responding to him and nourishing the family. What do you think would happen to your body if your heart decided that it wanted to be a brain, or if the brain decided it wanted to be a heart?” Eva smiled at the odd thought and said, “Well, my body wouldn’t work. My heart isn’t equipped to be a brain, and my brain isn’t able to function as a heart. My body would break down – and die.”

She smiled as the Wise Woman’s lesson was sinking in, but then her forehead creased again. “But, I thought I was supposed to be a ruler – a brain seems like a ruler – a heart just seems weak.” The Wise Woman nodded. “Eva, the heart has a very important job to do. If it refuses to cooperate and do what it is meant to do, every part of the body suffers – including the brain. You are a ruler – of the things the King has placed under your authority. As He said in the letter, your wisdom and care is needed for your home and family to function well.

As a heart, you nourish your family emotionally, physically, and spiritually. You are the primary feeler in your family. You will know when your children are hurting or afraid, and you probably already know when Adam needs to be encouraged, relaxed, or challenged. Even though Adam makes the final decisions and may be more visible to the rest of the kingdom, he, too, is dependent on you to create the sort of environment he needs to grow and flourish as a ruler. You both are dependent on the other. You have different jobs to do, but they work together in a beautiful harmony.”

Eva left the Wise Woman’s house with a cautious smile on her face. She knew this business of being the heart wasn’t going to be easy. But, she also knew that the King had always been right in the past, that the He loved her and Adam, and wanted the best for both of them. Surely His ideas of how their home should work would be true. So, with determination in her steps she headed toward her new home, preparing to explain to Adam why King Adon’s letter was a wrinkled, soggy mess.

The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him’… Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.’
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,
and they will become one flesh.
Genesis 2:18, 22-24

Proverbs 31 graphics from A Pondering Heart