Even as a young widow, Ruth is still looking out for her mother-in-law's interests. we see that she does not want to leave Naomi; no matter what, she is determined to be a close companion of Naomi, an elderly widow, mother-in-law, and a friend for a long time.
I find her obedient to God, to the parental authority, and the general norms of society, even at that age and in the state of being a young widow, with no hope of ever getting married, she is committed to Naomi; something so precious yet something a big part of our present culture will perhaps not grasp fully; because as in the days of Judges, and even nowadays, when majority is doing what they feel like, here we see Ruth and Boaz doing what God likes!!!! She is ready to go wherever Naomi feels it OK to stay; she does not seem to argue that she will be better off in her own land and be able to find a job, as she spoke the language well and the place was familiar to her, her own people who were nearby and she could visit them often. No! She is choosing instead, to be Naomi's close person, more of a friend, even though coming from an Eastern culture I do know the term "you are more to me than seven sons," when a daughter or a daughter-in-law does an extraordinarily different and impacting thing, this term is often used.
My heart went out to her fully when I read that when Boaz and his workers were nice to her and when she was offered lunch, she ate and then kept some part of that food for her dear Naomi. This is precious. We do read that she was blessed with a basket full of grains to take home but that little leftover lunch that she wanted to share with Naomi shows the depth of her love. She does want Naomi to experience the good taste that she has experienced. This impacts me more because I have two little Ruth types and one seemingly male version of Ruth around in my house. We have noticed that since their childhood, when one of our two daughters was offered some food even if it was a small portion, they will keep a part of it to come home and share with the other.
23 years ago, when I met Bharat, (my husband of 18 years at the time of writing this) he worked in an Accounts Department of a Panel Beating Company, back home in Nairobi, Kenya. In our initial meetings, even though I was working right in the downtown of the beautiful city of Nairobi, and my office was surrounded by many good restaurants, Bharat used to make a point of bringing a special egg curry that the cook at his place of work had freshly cooked for their staff. This curry used to be made at least once a week. He relished it so much that he felt he had to share it with me. He would travel with it using public transport to come downtown to bring me. I have not forgotten that. He was in love back then and so it felt kind of "normal" for "crazy" people to do that but now after many years of our very turbulent relationship it seems like in the restoring process, he brings food home from where he visits. As a self-employed independent contractor, he has to visit some of the best restaurants, as well as the fast food ones that he goes to. Whenever the shop requires him to do it alone, he brings leftover food home and shares it with us. He says he does not feel that he can enjoy it alone. (That reminded me of the Ruth personality) These incidents show the love and care that one can show. When his assignments require two folks to taste, either one of us would go with him, and whoever accompanies him brings back the leftover big portions for the one staying back at home. We thank God for blessing us with such generosity, it is nothing we can boast about but from God's good hand. Well, we thank God for such precious little things that have huge meaning behind them to bring us close to one another. As one of the major airline slogans reads, "There are more things that bring us closer than that keep us apart."
May these stories warm your heart and may you be encouraged to freely share whatever God places in your arms that you are able. (There are times to refrain from sharing like the story of the five wise and five foolish virgins so you are not depleted, so please do not feel obligated.) This is just some delightful normal sharing that is meant for the sake of kindness and not to be misused.
in God's immeasurable love,
Kalpana.
Copyright @ Kalpana Christian Sharma.
