“Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” [Ruth 2.11-12]
Ruth stayed with widow Naomi after the death of Mahlon, Naomi's son and Ruth's husband. There was no other reason for Ruth to stay with Naomi other than their relationship.
While this story has great significance for its genealogy to follow, I find a great story in this relationship between Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth.
There are precious few relationships in life that demonstrate such commitment as Ruth demonstrated toward Naomi. There was nothing tying Ruth to Naomi except her pure love and respect for Naomi.
This relationship was so significant that it was known about all across the area. So unusual was Ruth's love and respect for Naomi that it was the subject of conversations far and wide. Relationships like this one were (and are) few and far between.
I really don't have a "moral to the story" to highlight concerning Ruth's and Naomi's relationship. I am simply amazed at it. It was a special relationship. It was genuine. It was real. And all of this made it unusual (which is kind of sad).
I am inspired by Ruth's and Naomi's relationship.
Father, as I consider the relationships in my life, help me to recognize each one for its value and preserve each one for the story it has.
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