A most excellent Army wife, who can find?

She is worth far more than a 4-star rank.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

With a dull white canvas, constantly changing measurements, and a limited budget, she creates a home.

She has an extra meal ready for a hurting family and cookies for the new neighbor.

She arises before PT, helping her family ready for the day.

She speaks military, and interprets for the extended family masses.

She sets about her work vigorously–whether it’s shoveling snow, mowing lawns, volunteering for community efforts, caring for her friend’s kids. Her shoulders are strong for the tasks.

Though she is called a dependent, she is far from it. She waits for no one to do what she can figure out how to do–building playgrounds, setting up furniture, initiating fundraisers.

She devises ways to make money and starts businesses. She teaches her children how to tie a tie, how to stand for the flag, how to dance.

Her family is dressed for the season, the location, and the occasion.

She finds the good in every post, even the last on the list, please-never-there place.

She adds recipes and trinkets from the many corners of the earth they lived, embracing each culture.

She takes her children to the maple syrup festival, the ice-fishing day, the alligator viewing, the tank exhibition.

She dries her children’s tears and turns her fears to prayers. When her husband flies away to war, she trusts the Lord.

She creates happy days for her children, even when half of their heart is gone to the other side of the world.

She arrives with Starbucks and a mop to help her friend clear a house.

She waves goodbye through tears to a friend in the morning, and meets a newcomer for coffee in the afternoon.

She makes friends within hours, life-long battle-buddy soul-sisters within weeks.

She grieves when she leaves each place.

Yet she opens her heart again and again.

She sets aside her career, her wishes, her extended family in the name of service.

Honor her for all that she does,

and let her works bring her praise at the post gate.