But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you, to turn back from following you!
Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people and your God my God. Ruth 1:16
In this verse, Ruth is speaking to her mother-in-law, Naomi, who had moved to a new land and then lost her husband and sons. Facing this new reality, Naomi tells Ruth to go back to her people so she can have a chance at a new life. This is Ruth’s response, she refuses to turn her back and chooses to stay.
When it feels like the world is crashing down around us, it can be difficult to feel that there is hope. At times it can seem kinder to push people away so they don’t need to share in our heaviness. It is in these times that we can often feel the love of God through those that surround us.
In this time of Advent, reflect on who has been a loving presence in your life or who you’ve made the decision to stand beside. When we are struggling to feel God’s love or to understand why life’s twists and turns are happening, take a moment to look into the faces of the people in our lives who show up.
There are the big, life-changing moments that can be seen and acknowledged and there are quiet struggles that can be overlooked or brushed over but can be so tough to carry every day. In our daily lives we are faced with the decisions of how to be present with those around us, what are you choosing to do today?
Make the phone call, bring the cookies, show up at the performance, send a silly card, have the conversation, listen – do the things you think about but may not always make the time in your schedule to do. You may never know the impact that a gesture, big or small, can have on someone.
It can be hard. Allow others to stand by you. Be there.
Dear Lord, As I reflect on my relationships during this Advent season, open my heart and mind to ways that I can support those around me. Help me to be a source of light, love and comfort. And when I am the one in need of your loving embrace, allow me to see the countless blessings all around me in the form of those who show up. Amen.
Sharon Schmidt is an employee at The Manor at Yorktown
No comments:
Post a Comment