Are you Naomi or Ruth?

Recently, I visited my favourite speciality bread shop, and there I found a modern-day scene of Ruth and Naomi: a lovely granddaughter and her Nanny.
Nanny was struggling with walking, with seeing and with reaching the items that she wanted from the shelves. Her granddaughter was patient, kind and helpful to her. Nanny was accepting of her granddaughter’s kindnesses and offered wisdom to her granddaughter to make good choices from the many delicious items on the shelves. It was a lovely picture in the bread shop that day.
Every day, we have the opportunity to be Naomi or Ruth to others in our midst. Maybe today you are Naomi, guiding a Ruth, restoring her to life, or maybe today you are Ruth, supporting or caring for an aging Naomi or others in your life. In either role, you have a wonderful opportunity to be the presence of God in someone’s life.
Today, are you the encouraging Naomi, seeking security and wisdom for her daughter-in-law or are you the devoted Ruth, a nourisher of her mother-in-law in her time of need?

Gracious God, I pray that all those who are needing care today will find a Naomi or a Ruth in their lives. Amen.

Contributed by Catherine Campbell

Eternity for Today