To me, the idea of wives flourishing in the home as “fruitful vines” means that whatever station or season of life you’re in, you are made to flourish right then and there. To be fruitful and multiply… back in the day, it probably did in fact mean, have more and more offspring. But, what does it mean for us in the 21st century?
You’ve heard it said, “prosper where you’re planted”. Start by recognizing what type of plant you are, then what type of fruit you would like to produce. Some would call that finding purpose and vision for your life, I say yes to that!

You will definitely want to begin looking for those little budding virtues, the evidence of those dreams and desires coming to life inside of you. Watch those skills and talents and that upright honorable character start to grow and multiply until you bear fruit that others can taste and see.

I’m so tired of being told to “get back in the kitchen” by other women who determine their personal interpretation worthy of cosmic application to ALL woman kind… hmph. Don’t get me wrong, I love few things as much as creating a fabulous meal that I know is nourishing my family as we feast and fellowship around the dinner table. But I consider it an honor to serve my family in that way, and I do it not because I have to, but because I “get to” and enjoy doing it. Dishes, well… not so much.

But, if I thought that’s all I was allowed to do, or that the sole glory of my existence was baking beautiful cakes for my family I’d probably snap at some point. No, it is simply a part of the whole. Those simple pleasures add to the joy of life because it feeds all of our souls not just our bellies, because I cook out of love for my family.

So, I say to you as I say to myself: live “all in”. Be present with the indwelling Spirit and others simultaneously in the moment. You are called to love your God with all your heart, doing what you do as unto Him… It doesn’t mean the only place God intended women to flourish is the home (which seems to be the common misrepresentation).

If you are in the season of bearing and bringing up children, AND you are designed, and fortunate enough to be blessed to do it in the home full time, well then, God destined it to be glorious, fulfilling, and joyful for you (AND your family)! So prosper there. There is no higher call for you if you are a mom.

But, If you are in a season that is meant for you to be serving, giving and moving in the kingdom and taking dominion in the market place, well, trying to force yourself to stay at home if you’ve not been called there would be an unfruitful and unsatisfying drudgery.

To help put the growth we so desire and seek into a healthy mature perspective, a wise friend reminded me the other day that it takes an acorn 10-15 years before it becomes a fully grown Oak tree, and around 25 years before it begins to produce it’s own fruit. Remember to let those seeds go even deeper into the soil of your heart, and water them daily with the love that can only come from the maker and giver of all life.