In this scenario, the virtuous woman stays up late working on a project. No doubt, every mother has had this experience. What is noteworthy is that she stays up late, not out of dread but out of excitement. She knows her merchandise is good, and she is energized to get the most out of it. Energy is either infused by hope or drained by discouragement. As we consider the life of a wife and mother, it is easy to see why discouragement can be a constant enemy to energy. The production of the finished product is slow, the demands are constant, and the work is never done. So, a regular component of life should be a step back to look at the big picture. The merchandise (rearing children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord) is good. The material you have to work with (blessings and talents as a gift from a good God) are good. The resources (grace, strength for the day) are good. It is only when we can see that there is good that we can be filled with the hope that produces energy to supply the needs of the day.