Oh I know, I know –she was a wicked stepmother but the way I see it, this little cinder girl owes her dysfunctional family a great big “thank you”. Without realizing it, they were molding her into a help meet suitable for a prince.
What is it that we envy in Cinderella (besides her uncanny ability to communicate with mice)? I believe there are many things: her work ethic, her resourcefulness, her inner beauty, and of course, the ability to snag her man. But how did she acquire these characteristics? The answer is one simple word -service. Cinderella spent her childhood and youth serving ungrateful, undeserving, and completely self-absorbed people. In this training ground, she learned everything she needed to win the affection of Prince Charming and to truly live “happily ever after.”
From a purely practical standpoint, this girl was a homemaker extraordinaire. She could cook, clean, do laundry, scrub floors, wash windows, sew…the list goes on and on. It seems that no job was too large or too small thanks to the narrow-eyed demands of Mommy Dearest.
And those sisters of hers…yikes! Is it any wonder Cinderella was a woman full of humility? After all, she saw narcissism at its worst with those two. Cinderella quickly learned what not to do from their sniveling, whining, and selfishly sour dispositions. And again, we have the queen bee herself, perpetuating the distorted self-images of her own daughters’ while unwittingly ensuring the spotlight for our sweet heroine.
Cinderella realized early on that she would receive no pay, no recognition, and no appreciation for all of her hard work and sacrifice; yet she goes about her tasks joyfully, singing even. Another endearing trait built up in the midst of adversity. Not only does she have the necessary skills and humble spirit to serve but she does so with cheerfulness.
Okay, maybe a “Mother of the Year” award isn’t in order, but it is interesting how the stepmother’s efforts to burden, shame, and enslave Cinderella instead empowered, inspired, and prepared her for the most important role she would ever play. Cinderella’s heart of service is a shining contrast to the “world” around her.
So, what’s the point? (Besides the fact that being home with four children causes you to search for spiritual meaning in fairytale animation.) What merit does this story have for today? Well, let’s look at another literary heroine…our dear friend the Proverbs 31 woman. The focus of her “excellence” can also be summed up in one word –service!
Skillful service – She “works with eager hands” (v.13) and “sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” (v.17)
Humble service – She brings her husband “good, not harm, all the days of her life” (v.12) and “she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” (v.20)
Cheerful service – “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (v25)
Are we serving our families “heartily, as to the Lord”? (Col 3:23, KJV) Do we begrudge the calling God has place on our lives as homemakers, wives, or mothers? How are we responding to the sometimes grumpy, demanding, selfish, whiny, and impossible to satisfy people God has placed in our lives? And how is He using them to prepare us for His blessing?
You want the fairy tale don’t you? Back in Proverbs 31 we see what happens as a woman chooses to serve God and others skillfully, humbly, and cheerfully.
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gates.” (verses 28-30)
What is it that we envy in Cinderella (besides her uncanny ability to communicate with mice)? I believe there are many things: her work ethic, her resourcefulness, her inner beauty, and of course, the ability to snag her man. But how did she acquire these characteristics? The answer is one simple word -service. Cinderella spent her childhood and youth serving ungrateful, undeserving, and completely self-absorbed people. In this training ground, she learned everything she needed to win the affection of Prince Charming and to truly live “happily ever after.”
From a purely practical standpoint, this girl was a homemaker extraordinaire. She could cook, clean, do laundry, scrub floors, wash windows, sew…the list goes on and on. It seems that no job was too large or too small thanks to the narrow-eyed demands of Mommy Dearest.
And those sisters of hers…yikes! Is it any wonder Cinderella was a woman full of humility? After all, she saw narcissism at its worst with those two. Cinderella quickly learned what not to do from their sniveling, whining, and selfishly sour dispositions. And again, we have the queen bee herself, perpetuating the distorted self-images of her own daughters’ while unwittingly ensuring the spotlight for our sweet heroine.
Cinderella realized early on that she would receive no pay, no recognition, and no appreciation for all of her hard work and sacrifice; yet she goes about her tasks joyfully, singing even. Another endearing trait built up in the midst of adversity. Not only does she have the necessary skills and humble spirit to serve but she does so with cheerfulness.
Okay, maybe a “Mother of the Year” award isn’t in order, but it is interesting how the stepmother’s efforts to burden, shame, and enslave Cinderella instead empowered, inspired, and prepared her for the most important role she would ever play. Cinderella’s heart of service is a shining contrast to the “world” around her.
So, what’s the point? (Besides the fact that being home with four children causes you to search for spiritual meaning in fairytale animation.) What merit does this story have for today? Well, let’s look at another literary heroine…our dear friend the Proverbs 31 woman. The focus of her “excellence” can also be summed up in one word –service!
Skillful service – She “works with eager hands” (v.13) and “sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” (v.17)
Humble service – She brings her husband “good, not harm, all the days of her life” (v.12) and “she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” (v.20)
Cheerful service – “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (v25)
Are we serving our families “heartily, as to the Lord”? (Col 3:23, KJV) Do we begrudge the calling God has place on our lives as homemakers, wives, or mothers? How are we responding to the sometimes grumpy, demanding, selfish, whiny, and impossible to satisfy people God has placed in our lives? And how is He using them to prepare us for His blessing?
You want the fairy tale don’t you? Back in Proverbs 31 we see what happens as a woman chooses to serve God and others skillfully, humbly, and cheerfully.
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gates.” (verses 28-30)
Now that’s what I call a happy ending.
(Scripture references are from the NIV)
6 comments:
What a wonderful article! It made me smile. (I only have boys, so I must enjoy girly things vicariously through others) An interesting, but dead-on observation :-)
What a clever viewpoint on Cinderella. Enjoyable reading!
Oh, I loved you Cinderella story!
Blessings,
Miss Sandy
Great take on every young girls favorite princess, Cinderella.
Blessings,
Vickie@PursuingSimplicity
That's a fabulous perspective on life and the lessons of Cinderella, and very written, might I add!
What a neat spin on Cinderella. I love that. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Angela
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