The faith I see in Ruth

One of my favorite bible stories is the story about Ruth and Naomi's friendship. Naomi had 2 sons who were married to Ruth and Orpah. In a short period of time her sons and her husband had both passed away. In that culture you would go back to where you were from and find a new husband to take you. Naomi told Ruth and Orpah to go back and find husbands and prayed that the Lord would be kind to them for the kindness they displayed to her. Orpah said goodbye and went on her way but Ruth wouldnt go. Ruth was committed to Naomi and told her where you go i will go and where you stay I will stay. your people will be my people and your god will be my God. can you say WOW. Ruth stayed and God blessed her with a new husband named Boaz but the relationship Ruth has with Naomi is such a unique, special relationship that I think is such a treasured one. This story ties in to my life perfectly this week because on Monday I met an incredibly wonderful elderly woman named Ruth. She started to cry when she was telling me her story and has I hugged her and as she cried on my shoulder I knew it was one of those moments I wouldn't forgot. Strangers united in Christ, in service, and in this amazing womans strengh. Shes an 80 year old dealing with the illness of her beloved husband and all the stress that goes along with that care. She visits him at the nursing home every day and sits with him all day long. She is faithful to him like Ruth was faithful to Naomi. I see God in the people Ive met this summer. From Arizona to Florida I see people seeking the Lord amongst their daily challenges. I see him in the widow of the house we are painting, I see him in the homeowner yesterday who was driving today and stopped on the road to thank us. and tell us all about the amazing woman we were currrently working ons house. We dont deserve ANY thanks. This isnt about gratitude this is about faithfulness (like Ruth's to the King) It is such an honor to serve the King's children. Im learning what it really means to be Gods hand and feet. Its sitting in the widows living room, working with youth groups from various denominations and backgrounds but being united in the one king we serve, and beating many many middle schoolers in dodgeball :)

I want to become the 20 year old I hope to have helping me out when Im 80.
That's what Im working towards.

Thanks for being my friend
-MCD