Well she’s all you’d ever want
She’s the kind I like to flaunt and take to dinner
But she always knows her place
She’s got style, she’s got grace, she’s a winner

She’s a lady
Whoa, whoa, whoa, she’s a lady
Talkin’ about that little lady
And the lady is mine

Well she’s never in the way
Always something nice to say, and what a blessin’
I can leave her on her own
Knowin’ she’s okay alone and there’s no messin’

She’s a lady
Whoa, whoa, whoa, she’s a lady
Talkin’ about that little lady
And the lady is mine

Well, she never asks very much
And I don’t refuse her
Always treat her with respect
I never would abuse her

What she’s got is hard to find
And I don’t want to lose her
Help me build a mountain from a little pile of clay, hey hey hey

Well she know’s what I’m about
She can take what I dish out, and that’s not easy
But she knows me through and through
And she knows just what to do and how to please me

She’s a lady
Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, she’s a lady
Talkin’ about that little lady
And the lady is mine

– From “She’s a Lady” by Paul Anka
(made famous by Tom Jones)

I can’t think of a song that more accurately describes the most wonderful lady I’ve ever had the pleasure to know, Virginia Poskevich. If I found out that her husband was the one to have penned the lyrics, I wouldn’t be at all surprised…for nothing says “ladylike” quite like her.

If you’re wondering who “Virginia” is…she is the grandmother I inherited when I said “I do” – my mother-in-law’s mother. She left this earth on July 21, 2019, breaking the hearts of countless souls she has touched who miss her immeasurably. I’m not referring to Grandma in past tense, because as the saying goes, “you can’t kill a Christian, you can only change his address”. She has not ceased to be, and the virtues she has are not gone…they will only continue to grow on into eternity. Her beautiful spirit is alive and well, though she is no longer with us in the flesh. We take comfort knowing that we will see her again, though our tears remind us of the wait.

My father-in-law was among several loved ones who stood up and said a word for Grandma’s honor at her funeral. He turned our thoughts to the Proverbs 31 woman, and noted how closely Grandma represented the prototype. He couldn’t have been more correct. I have to be honest…usually when the Proverbs 31 woman is mentioned, it becomes cliche almost to a fault. So few women truly fit the bill and live up to such a compliment…but Grandma did. It’s true we’d all like to think we are Proverbs 31 material…but let’s look at the opening passage for what it really says:

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. – Proverbs 31:10

Did you catch that? Who can find a virtuous woman?! Such ladies are not found on every corner…they are no dime a dozen. The women truly living God’s way are so desperately hard to find that they are of extraordinary value. I would like to echo my father-in-law’s sentiment that Grandma’s worth was and is indeed far above rubies.

Every woman would be wise to look to Virginia Poskevich as her role model, and I am here to share three good reasons why. Firstly, I believe that the value of Virginia is found…

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. – Ephesians 5:22-24

If ever there were a contest for “best wife award” there would be no question of who I would nominate, for Grandma epitomizes the definition of godly submission…a virtue that is most near and dear to my heart.

Allow me to share a bit of history with you. Virginia’s husband, Robert “Bob” Poskevich, stands today as a wonderful Christian man…but it wasn’t always that way. There was a time when Grandma was the only Christian in their home…the first to be converted. For a time, she took their children to church alone…all nine of them. I don’t want to be disrespectful in the least, so suffice it to say only that Grandpa wasn’t always the kindest man, as is of course natural for those who have not yet become saved. Even so, she honored him and submitted herself under his authority with the sweetest of dignity. She didn’t harp on him and demand that he join her at the assembly. She didn’t belittle him to the children, or put him down to others. Instead, she took the approach that such a wife is called to in 1 Peter 3:1-2:

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

If she had taken the easy road, she would have nagged her husband to death…pushing him further and further away from Christ in the meantime. Instead, she focused only on bettering herself and pleasing her man…until eventually his heart could not resist being won over to the Lord.

In all the conversations I have had with Grandma, never did I hear a cross word escape her lips in regards to past or present versions of Grandpa. Every word spoke of deep love and respect. Many women with hard-to-get-along-with husbands love to throw themselves a pity party and invite others to join in. They make their husbands out to be the ever cruel villains, and themselves the hapless victims. If Grandma was like other girls, she could have easily made her husband out to be Bob Poskevich the Zero…but instead she chose to build him up as Bob Poskevich the Hero.

I could name a hundred little things Grandma did that caught my attention…the way she signed her name Mrs. Robert Poskevich instead of Virginia. The fact that she named her first son “Robert Jr.” in honor of her head, “Robert Sr.”. The way she always gave her husband the largest and best looking portions at mealtime. How she always insisted her children obey their father, whether in his presence or not. How she talked to her children about Daddy as if he were the king of a castle, and always encouraged them to find ways to serve him. How she was always such a good sport when her husband teased with her. The fact that she took daily walks with Grandpa in her old age, even when it was difficult physically…just to be near him. I could go on and on, for this doesn’t even scratch the surface of her 65 years of godly submission to her true love. Yes, she indeed is a lady.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. – Proverbs 31:11-12

Secondly, the value of Virginia is found…

…Whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. – Mark 10:43b-45

Second only to her submission as a wife, the next defining trait of Virginia Poskevich is found in her selfless service as a mother. Not only did Grandma raise nine children, but she raised nine children with the tender affections of a good mother cat for her kittens – coupled with the patience of Job! She knew that “a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Proverbs 29:15), therefore she was attentive and dedicated in actively training her young charges.

Once, my husband and I asked Grandma’s advice on how to help our children to remember the things we had asked them to do. The answer was just as sweet as the lady who gave it…”just take their little face gently in your hands like so (as she takes my husband’s face into her hands) and say clearly and directly what you want them to remember. Then ask them to repeat in their own words so you know they understood”. Grandma’s parenting style was in no way lackadaisical. It is evident that she put in serious amounts of time and effort until she raised up young men and women of good repute.

I said previously how Grandma was diligent to bring her children to church, but her diligence extended past Sundays and Wednesdays alone. My mother-in-law always talks about her Momma’s open bible moving from place to place about the house as she did her daily tasks, stopping to read at intervals. Grandma always has a way of including the Lord in everything she does. She seamlessly adds her spiritual side into every conversation, to the point that it’s impossible to come away from her presence without being called to a higher plane.

She didn’t just talk the talk, but she truly walked the walk of service. Whether it was shopping on a budget, cooking delicious meals, tidying the home, bandaging scrapes and cuts, or having a heart-to-heart talk…she was always there for her kiddos, selflessly serving. Though spoken of widows, she brings to mind the exemplary description found in 1 Timothy 5:9b-10:

…having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have followed every good work.

Just like the Proverbs 31 woman, she filled her days with productivity for the sake of her family (see vvs. 13-24). Yes, she is indeed a lady.

Lastly, the value of Virginia is found…

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. – 1 Peter 3:4

We have spoken of Grandma’s value in relation to her husband and to her children, and now we will consider her behavior to those outside of her most intimate circle. Her serene nature to all is second to none.

Grandma’s voice and the tone she used was sweeter than honey. She spoke slowly and deliberately. She spoke with gentility and clarity. She spoke with great care and kindness. She had a way of making you want to hang on to every word she said.

When others were loud, she was quiet. When others were short-tempered, she was even-keeled. When others were angry, she was calm. She kept her gentle composure, no matter the situation. Always under control.

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. – 1 Corinthians 9:27

Oh, that more women would have a Virginia spirit! The very definition of femininity, she was…and is. Yes, she is indeed a lady.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. – Proverbs 31:26

In conclusion…

Far above rubies. That is the value of Virginia. Just like the Proverbs 31 woman, Grandma’s value is not found in fame or fortune…but in her submission, in her service, and in her serenity. All for the glory of her God.

My father-in-law said it best:

“If Virginia Poskevich doesn’t fit the Proverbs 31 woman, then I don’t know who does.”

– Verlyn Bolks

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. – Proverbs 31:28-29

For God’s Glory,
CA Bolks

Chelsea Bolks is a church of Christ minister’s wife, and the home educating mother of two children. She and her family currently reside in Northwest Iowa.

“Marie Kondo is a tidying expert, bestselling author, star of Netflix’s show, “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo,” and founder of KonMari Media, Inc.

Enchanted with organizing since her childhood, Marie began her tidying consultant business as a 19-year-old university student in Tokyo. Today, Marie is a renowned tidying expert helping people around the world to transform their cluttered homes into spaces of serenity and inspiration.“

What is the KonMari Method?

“Most tidying methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever.

The KonMari Method™ encourages tidying by category – not by location – beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items. Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go.

People around the world have been drawn to this philosophy not only due to its effectiveness, but also because it places great importance on being mindful, introspective and forward looking.“

The six basic rules of tidying:

• Rule 01
  Commit yourself to tidying up.
• Rule 02
  Imagine your ideal lifestyle.
• Rule 03
  Finish discarding first.
• Rule 04
  Tidy by category, not by location.
• Rule 05
  Follow the right order.
• Rule 06
  Ask yourself if it sparks joy.

(Above taken from the www.konmari.com “about” page)

The first time my children and I watched a Marie Kondo video on YouTube, we were mesmerized. This adorable little Japanese woman has taught us how to do so many simple life tasks more effectively…from packing a suitcase, to folding laundry, to organizing our bedroom drawers. Recently when we were preparing suitcases for bible camp, my son asked me, “Momma, how do I ‘Marie Kondo’ my blanket?” You better believe this young man’s suitcase went to camp in style! The KonMari methods are simple, but we love them because they just plain work.

Now having a tidy house is an admirable goal, as it helps to allow peace and productivity to reign in the home, rather than contention and chaos. However, the focus of today’s lesson is not so much on the tidiness of your surroundings…but on the tidiness of your spirit. We all have some “indoor” cleaning to do, and Marie Kondo is going to give us a hand. Come join in on A Konmari Safari…

Rule 01: Commit yourself to tidying up.

This rule applies whether tidying an apartment or tidying an attitude. Unless we are really serious about making a change, everything will go on much the same as it always has. Houses don’t just willy-nilly clean themselves, and neither do humans…unless they are allowing Christ’s spirit to rule within them. We have to truly want to be “tidy” people in order to make a lasting difference. It’s not enough to feel a moment of inspiration after listening to a podcast on tidying (think: enjoying a good sermon but failing to put it into action). It’s not enough to cram all the clutter into a closet when Great Aunt Helga comes for a visit (think: trying to appear righteous just to impress others). It’s not enough to go through phases of cleanliness (think: giving up sin sporadically). Commitment is essential.

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. – Proverbs 16:3

Rule 02: Imagine your ideal lifestyle.

This rule applies whether idealizing a mansion or idealizing a mission. When we imagine the goal for our home, we may flip through the pages of a magazine to look for a model to guide us…that “perfect home” if you will. Maybe we fancy a fun beach vibe, or a cozy fireside feel…whatever the case may be, looking at those picture perfect examples can serve as the groundwork for building our own style. On a much grander scale, Christians have a perfect model to look to in the Lord Jesus Christ. When we flip through the pages of God’s word regularly, we can “see” the ideal and emulate Him for ourselves.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. – Ephesians 5:1-2 (NASB)

Rule 03: Finish discarding first.

This rule applies whether discarding stuff or discarding sin. A common error people make while tidying is to simply shift clutter from one location to another…never really dealing with the problem at hand, only avoiding it for as long as possible. The thing is, avoiding clutter doesn’t make it disappear. The piles have to be dealt with now, later, or after your death…but they have to be dealt with by someone. Unrepentant sin in our life is much the same way – it catches up to us eventually. The difference is, we can’t wait it out and slough spiritual junk on to our heirs…we and we alone will be responsible for our mess after we leave this earth. Discard sin right away so you don’t end up stuck with it!

…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. – Hebrews 12:1b

Rule 04: Tidy by category, not by location.

This rule applies whether categorizing our inventory or our inner man. One reason the KonMari method is so effective is that it forces you to take a closer look. For example, instead of gazing through your closet haphazardly, Mrs. Kondo encourages bringing every article of clothing out into a pile on the bed. Once you bring the items out into the light, expose them for the mountainous excess that they are, and face each item one by one – only then will you truly begin to evaluate each item’s value in your home. We miss a lot with only a quick sweeping glance through the closet, and that’s just how it is when it comes to our inner man, isn’t it? With just a quick sweeping glance at ourselves, we might seem mostly good…pretty clean, after all. Yet God calls us to more…to bring every category of ourselves one by one to the foot of the cross. First, big picture. Then, further inspection.

And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. – Ezekiel 44:23

Rule 05: Follow the right order.

This rule applies whether ordering possessions or perfections. When it comes to following a sense of order, the last thing you want to do is begin discarding those sentimental items that are dear to your heart – save those for last. You want to start small; baby steps! Until we practice letting go of little, insignificant things, we mustn’t foolishly take on more than we’re ready to handle. As we progress in easy areas, we gather strength to tackle the areas that would have initially been nigh to impossible. Our Christian walk is like that. While we are called to be ever growing and progressing, let us start at a pace we’re ready for. As long as we are constantly moving forward, we will be tackling mountains before we know it.

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept; line upon line; here a little, and there a little. – Isaiah 28:9-10

Rule 06: Ask yourself if it sparks joy.

This rule applies whether talking about your goods or your gods. If an object in the home is not bringing joy either by pleasure or usefulness, what is the purpose of hanging on to it? Truly our homes would be better off without such goods, for they only give cause for stress and frustration. What about the “gods” in our life? Are the things we “hang on to” bringing lasting pleasure? Are they useful? If not, what purpose do they add to our days? The little gripes and complaints we express, the haughtiness we feel, the time we waste in selfishness…these things don’t spark true joy. Sure, they might make us feel a bit of pleasure in the moment, but ultimately leave us wasting away. Focus on the joy that is good, authentic, and eternal. Keep the things that bring out the very best in you, for Him.

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord of hosts. – Jeremiah 15:16

In conclusion…

I hope that this KonMari Safari has been valuable to you. There is so much that can be learned from the simple things in life…like what a tidy young lady from Japan can unknowingly teach us about our spiritual selves. When you are folding laundry, packing suitcases, organizing drawers…doing whatever your hand finds to do, I hope you will remember that the most important thing to tidy in the home is the people. I encourage you to start the journey, scrap the junk, and spark the joy. Anyone can do it…will we?

Being messy is not hereditary nor is it related to lack of time.

– Marie Kondo

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. – Proverbs 16:2

For God’s Glory,
CA Bolks

Chelsea Bolks is a church of Christ minister’s wife, and the home educating mother of two children. She and her family currently reside in Northwest Iowa.

To look at life differently, they could not be so bold
Some people don’t grow wiser, they merely grow old.
They remain as they were and think in the same way
And the only change in them is they’ve grown old and gray.

Wisdom is a thing that can serve one quite well
Though also a thing one cannot buy or sell.
Financially well-to-do wise people one might say “rare”
For wisdom will not make you a millionaire.

That the wise are a minority comes as no surprise
For many people grow older, but they do not grow wise.
“No fool like an old fool” you do hear some say
The truth in these words is still living today.
They remain as they were, and think in the same way
And they do not grow wiser, only grow old and gray.

– Francis Duggan

As this poem points out, old age does not always a wise man make. Old age merely serves to reveal who and what we really are, free from the pride and pretense of our youth. While a wise man will tend to grow wiser with age, a fool will tend to grow all the more foolish. As we age, our masks chip away and our true colors are seen in full array. What hues will be displayed in your latter years? Don’t believe the lie that wisdom will find you as you age. On the contrary, you must find wisdom. Wisdom is not a gift to be imparted, but a treasure to be hunted! We would do well to find wisdom before time overtakes us and we have little use left for it in our days.

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. – Ecclesiastes 12:1

It is not uncommon for one to reach age before beauty. That is to say, many people will become elderly before they so much as begin to take their spirituality seriously. Some won’t even make it that far – and years wasted can not be retrieved. Turning 30, 40, 50, or 99 will not make you wise; the common belief in a mystical, magical “age of wisdom” is erroneous. The age of wisdom is NOW…whether you are a 16 year old or a 60 year old. It is not the maturity of your years that defines you; but the maturity of your spirit.

Readers of all ages: don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Wisdom is yours for the taking, calling to you from every direction (Proverbs 8:1-5). Today we will discover three steps to avoid reaching age before beauty. Firstly, we must be…

Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished*. – Ecclesiastes 4:13 *warned, advised, urged

Why should we be taught before age? Because we retain more of what we learn when in our youth. Language, music, art, sports, and the like, are most easily learned and remembered when taught early. The same is often true in regards to spiritual matters. The older one gets, the harder it is to learn and sustain new concepts.

Embrace the art of listening to and learning from others now..while your mind is keen. You have not fully “arrived” – none of us have. You don’t “know it all” – none of us do. Each of us must lay down our pride in order to age beautifully like the Lord has intended.

…He teaches the humble His way. – Psalm 25:9b (NASB)

There is no shame in being young, only in being unteachable. Young people who close their ears to truth will quickly find themselves reaching age before beauty. Yet what if there is another way – a way to beautify yourself from the inside out before the gray hairs and wrinkles come knocking?

• Be taught before age…willingly listen to what people of all ages and walks of life have to say. Just make sure that you discern appropriately what parts to keep and what parts to discard. (1 John 4:1)
• Be taught before age…allow each day to have a time for work and a time for play. It’s easy to get sucked into the entertainment trap, but if you balance your time and discipline yourself to spend some amount of time each day working on a ministry for the Lord, it will soon become second nature – and your spirit will grow as a result. (Ecclesiastes 9:9-10)
• Be taught before age…build spiritual habits right away. Reading your Bible, talking to the Lord in prayer, meeting with your local assembly…these things may sound cliche, but they will make or break you. Don’t tell yourself that you will do these things when you have more time, or when life gets easier. First of all, tomorrow may never come. Secondly, the excuses you make today will only show up in different forms under a different time, a different circumstance. Don’t tell yourself lies…prioritize. (Proverbs 8:17)

Want to beautify yourself? Be taught before age! Because:

How ill white hairs become a fool and a jester!

– William Shakespeare, 2 Henry IV (1597-98)

Secondly, to avoid reaching age before beauty, we must be…

Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not. – Hosea 7:8-9

“A cake not turned” – quite the visual description to describe an old person devoid of wisdom. An elderly man or woman may have spent a long time in the “oven” (on the earth), but an experienced baker knows that time in the oven alone does not make a good cake, but is only one variable. A cake may appear crisp and well done on the outside, but still remain not-quite-done in the middle. (i.e. A person that looks old and wise on the outside, but is immature and foolish on the inside) As was the case with Ephraim, one must turn (to the Lord), lest his gray hair be little more than a decoration.

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

In other words: Life is short. Don’t waste your youth away on foolishness!

• Be turned before age…it may seem freeing to live as we please, but this favorite lie of the devil is a tale as old as time. The “freedom” we exercise now will end up being the very chains that enslave us later. (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10)
• Be turned before age…do you think you can sow your wild oats now, and settle down later when the pleasures of sin fade? Think again, for old habits die hard. (Proverbs 26:11)
• Be turned before age…contrary to popular belief, there just may come a day when repentance will not be available for the taking. Choose for yourself: is an eternity of grief worth the few, cheap thrills of this life? (Hebrews 12:15-17; Proverbs 1:28-31)

Want to beautify yourself? Be turned before age! Because:

Many foxes grow gray but few grow good.

– Benjamin Franklin

Lastly, to avoid reaching age before beauty, we must be…

I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. – Psalm 119:99-100

Wisdom comes not from our age, but from our aim. Those who are “tacked” (fixed/fastened) to the Lord, will naturally be wiser than those who aren’t, regardless of how many years spent on this earth. Many believe that wisdom can only come from experience; and while it is true that experience can bring wisdom, this is not always the case.

Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. – Job 32:7b-9 (emphasis mine)

Does a drunkard who has experienced 100 hangovers change his ways? Sometimes…but not always. Does a convicted sex offender who has experienced 20 years in prison change his ways? Sometimes…but not always. Does a repeat traffic violator who has experienced multiple tickets change his ways? Sometimes…but not always. Experience alone does not change a person whose love for their sin outweighs their fear of punishment – being tacked to the Lord is what would give them the wisdom they need.

• Be tacked before age…first you must hear God’s word and believe in Him. I’m not talking about mere belief in His existence – even Satan and his demons have that kind of belief. I’m talking about unwavering allegiance and submission to Him. Build a faith for yourself that is built not on feelings alone, but on unwavering truth. (Romans 10:17)
• Be tacked before age…confess Christ as your king by your daily walk (there’s that allegiance and submission again!). Soften your heart and continually repent of any and all sin in your life. (Proverbs 28:13)
• Be tacked before age…be immersed in water for the forgiveness of your sins as as God has prescribed. Forsake the old man of sin and death and walk confidently as a new man filled with righteousness and life. (Galatians 3:27)

Want to beautify yourself? Be tacked before age! Because:

Age does not necessarily give wisdom; gray hair does not necessarily signify gray matter.

– Leroy Brownlow

In conclusion…

Sometimes the age comes before the beauty, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I have heard it said that “growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional” – this is a truth. Every day, in every choice we make, we are choosing whether to grow older and wiser or merely old and gray.

Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Be taught before age, turned before age, and tacked before age. If you are wise, then even in your old age…underneath the gray hair and the wrinkles…will be a person of insurmountable beauty. A real stunner, if you will.

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. – Proverbs 16:31

Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing. – Psalm 92:13-14

For God’s Glory,
CA Bolks

Chelsea Bolks is a church of Christ minister’s wife, and the home educating mother of two children. She and her family currently reside in Northwest Iowa.