I've never seen myself as the main character of my own story. When I daydream about my life I often find myself as the supporting character to a friend who I'm rooting for, encouraging and driving her to the airport just in time to catch the love of her life before he leaves for Africa. I always manage to turn out ok in my stories (matched with the funny yet lower key friend, giving advice when needed, and providing comic relief). I certainly don't lack in selfishness but I've always been more comfortable in a supporting role when it comes to my friendships.
Reading Ruth 1:16-22, I find myself doing the same thing. Today, when I read Naomi's words of her tragedy, I didn't see myself as Naomi but rather I found myself as her friend. Filled with compassion as I listened to her tale of affliction. Close to her sadness and experiencing anger at her side. I grieved that her husband and sons' deaths were not the way it's supposed to be. And it caused me to wonder - Were there friends that came alongside Naomi when she returned to Bethlehem? She had a wonderful advocate, redeemer, and daughter in Ruth, but I wonder if she had a peer? Someone to help her grieve, to remind her of God's faithfulness, and to just sit silently with her.
As I read her story once again, I was reminded that I want to be that friend to other people. I want to be that support to those as God leads them through the dark times of their life. And I'm always thankful for those very faithful men and women who come alongside me in my life. I pray for more and more friends like that to be raised up in our church - and I hope I can be counted among them.
Reading Ruth 1:16-22, I find myself doing the same thing. Today, when I read Naomi's words of her tragedy, I didn't see myself as Naomi but rather I found myself as her friend. Filled with compassion as I listened to her tale of affliction. Close to her sadness and experiencing anger at her side. I grieved that her husband and sons' deaths were not the way it's supposed to be. And it caused me to wonder - Were there friends that came alongside Naomi when she returned to Bethlehem? She had a wonderful advocate, redeemer, and daughter in Ruth, but I wonder if she had a peer? Someone to help her grieve, to remind her of God's faithfulness, and to just sit silently with her.
As I read her story once again, I was reminded that I want to be that friend to other people. I want to be that support to those as God leads them through the dark times of their life. And I'm always thankful for those very faithful men and women who come alongside me in my life. I pray for more and more friends like that to be raised up in our church - and I hope I can be counted among them.
