Don't Worry Honey, I'm superwoman!

Don't Worry, Honey! I'm Superwoman!

By Vickie G. Paver

It hurt Abigail's pride as she recalled her boastful broadcast to her husband. "Hey! Don't worry, honey, I can reupholster our old couch! I can do anything. Remember, I'm a Martha!" The image that came to mind was “superwoman”, with a capital A (for Abigail) with family members and friends standing around---going goo goo over an astounding feat, accomplished with great proficiency! Her husband had stated his doubts. He thought this might be a bit beyond her capabilities and talents. Abigail had laughed it off. Now she stood before a heap of rubble after five screwdriver wounds, two thousand staples (give or take a few) and MANY sore and achy muscles. She also had one sore foot after the couch fell on her foot as she was trying to turn it upside down. What's more, it was now two days later that she discovers her ten-year-old couch, was nothing but a pile of 1x2’s, 1x4’s, staples, cardboard and foam! “It would be easier to build a couch from scratch than to re-upholster this one,” she thought---and at the same time, she felt a tremendous amount of defeat. She sat on the floor, feeling like a heap herself!

Her husband came around the corner. As he looked at the couch and then at her---his eyebrows went to the ceiling and his mouth curved down so much it touched the floor. Oh, she knew what was coming before he even said, "I tried to tell you, but you had to learn the hard way." Abigail's eyes welled up with tears, as she exclaimed, “BUT, the couch is made of cardboard and slats!!! What do you expect? And look at my hands, they are gouged from the screwdriver.” She was really hoping the eyebrows would come off the ceiling as she tried to evoke some kind of pity. Well, it sort of worked as his eyebrows settled in the middle of his forehead---not quite in place, yet. Then his mouth moved back in place as he told her not to worry---it was an old couch anyway. He did not say that without adding a half hour lecture, though. Abigail was glad to listen, as she knew that she had caused such a problem, but she was also glad her husband was a "prince charming" of sorts. God had been so good to give her someone who loved her for who she was, in spite of failures.

As the lecture went on, her husband suggested that they visit the local furniture store and buy something on the "90 days same as cash plan." Even though she was feeling very bad about falling flat on her face, it didn't take long to get ready to go. She could not believe her eyes when they got to the store and found just what they wanted on sale. The owner even took an extra $35.00 off (the cost of delivery) and delivered it that afternoon.

Now Abigail's efforts sit in the garage ready to go to the dumpster, but she has put off setting it on the curb. It is obvious that "failure" is stamped on it, LOUD AND CLEAR! Abigail's neighbors know that only two people live in that house! The thought had crossed her mind that they might think that it was her husband who---but, then again, a little shame set in at that thought before it was even finished.

Well, she definitely had learned a few valuable lessons, about her limits as a person. God also reminded her that she is not to try to do other people's work. She is reminded to keep her nose to the grindstone and use the abilities that He has given her, instead of trying to be a superwoman. It put, "I can do all things in Christ" in a new perspective. Even in ministry, Abigail knew her tendencies to get sidetracked and take on more than she was capable of doing. Her intentions were good, but a bit grandiose at times! But good intentions are not what ministry is about. Once again, she is glad that God uses reminders in everyday life to bring her back to the ministries He wants her to do. She’s also glad that He gave her balance in her mate!

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