Lady Lesson #11: A Lady's Habits
Today I wish to list a few habits and attitudes that are suitable for a lady, and some that are not. Generally speaking, a lady's behavior and attitude shows regard for other people's time and well being, rather than wasting other people's time or being a nuisance in some other form or fashion. Besides, a lady uses her time well and does not procrastinate. In short, a lady is a good steward of what she has been given.
The first two things I wish to mention are promptness and punctuality. The two go together since a woman who keeps procrastinating and never seems to get around to starting what she is supposed to do, will never have enough time to finish her chores, or even simple things like getting ready in the morning. It is indeed a bad habit to procrastinate with every little thing, and then always to be pressed for time and eventually, tardy. It wastes not only your time, dear lady in training, but also that of those people who have to wait for you to finish your chores, or to show up at the table, or to get ready to leave. The bible is very clear about idleness - it leads to nothing and is even equated with treachery and deceit (Job 27:4; Psa 52:2; Psa 101:7). Idleness is no just a minor flaw in a lady - it invites wickedness into life (Eze 16:49), and thus is to be avoided at all costs.
So starting promptly what you are supposed to do, and finishing on time and never being late for anything is something every lady should strive for and enjoy doing. Isn't it so much better to be able to do things well and in peace and at a steady pace as opposed to always having to rush around and do things half heartedly because there never seems to be enough time ? So don't procrastinate, and punctuality will follow almost automatically.
Another habit I would like to mention is quietness. It might not strike you as a habit at first, yet it is. You can get used to yelling all the time, interrupting other people when they speak, stomping around the house or closing doors with a bang, rather than keeping your voice down, waiting for your turn to chime in in a conversation, walking properly and closing doors silently. Pay attention to how you comport yourself in these regards, and be sure to correct any obnoxious tendencies.
Yet another habit that is worth paying attention to is tidiness. It is a good thing if every thing has its place, and can be found there unless it is in use currently. This will not only save you a lot of time you will otherwise spend searching for things, it also shows that you, dear young lady, have internalized the concept of good stewardship. We are to be good stewards of everything God places in our care, and keeping things in their proper place or returning them there after use will guarantee a much longer life of everything you handle and possess. Being tidy should be an expression of thankfulness for everything you are given - it is a habit of great value that should not be underestimated.
All in all, the habits of a lady show that she is mindful, not careless, with everything and anything, be it things or time or noise (and the lack thereof). God has appointed us to be good stewards of His creation and to love, not hate the brethren, so if you show mindfulness in a few things such as the mentioned habits, your show yourself capable of taking care of many things, and praise Yahweh thereby.
In the next lesson I will elaborate a little on manners of speaking. I would count these to be habits too, but let me reserve them for another lesson.
Lady Lesson #1: A Lady's Do's and Don't's
Lady Lesson #2: The Most Important Thing
Lady Lesson #4: The Principle of Obedience
Lady Lesson #5: The Practical Side to Obedience
Lady Lesson #6: A Woman's Calling
Lady Lesson #7: What Is Wrong With School ?
Lady Lesson #8: The Principle of Purity
