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Ruth

As a modern society, we have an unspoken timeline for how a person's life should go. By our mid-twenties, we should be finished with college, have a degree, a "good" job, and possibly a house. By thirty, we are expected to have 2 kids, a spouse, a white picket fence, and attend PTA meetings and soccer games. Anyone who doesn't fit into this mold ends up being the oddball. Something must be wrong with them, we think.

 I was thrilled when my church recently started going through the book of Ruth on Sunday mornings. Hands down, it is my favorite story - even more so now because I feel that I can really relate to Ruth. I'm approaching thirty and my life is far from the standard "norm." I'm a single mom working a low-paying job (populated by mostly college students) while I take care of my widowed mother and three kids. While two of my three children are going to school this fall for the first time, I will be returning to college after six years. I drive an old little Honda and I own very little material possessions. There's no Prince Charming or white picket fence in sight.

 You know what? That's okay. I'm doing my best to provide for my family while working towards something better. I know it's going to take some time, but I believe that God has me right where I am for a reason - just like Ruth. She came back to Israel with her widowed mother-in-law. Empty-handed, husband-less, and not knowing anyone, she built herself a reputation as a kind, hard worker who took care of her aging mother-in-law. She trusted that God had her where she was for a reason and simply focused on working hard to care for her family. God ended up blessing her with a wonderful God-fearing husband (Boaz) and made her part of King David's bloodline!

 While I can be content without a "Boaz," I am more than happy to watch my children grow up in a happier and healthier environment. I can take care of my mom. I can work towards the career I've always wanted. I can minister to the college students and women that God has placed in my life. 

 I enjoy my simple life and I can thrive right where I am. God can take care of the details. I just have to trust Him and blossom where He plants me.

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