Ryan's Journal

Based on Ruth 2:8-10, Temporary Places and Permanent Impact, Lydia Torres. I should have taken notes while I was there, some of this is already slipping out of memory.

Take lessons from the account of Ruth, who, after choosing for her mother-in-law, entered her adopted land as a total stranger. While the arrangement may have seemed permanent to them as two widows consigned to a life of poverty, God brought some amazing things about - but much of it is because of the choices of Ruth.

Some principles to learn from Ruth's choices. For one, transitional times are times of learning. Pay attention, like Ruth did to Naomi, because what you learn and take away from transitions will have a permanent impact. The transitory things themselves may go on to be forgotten, but what's learned and changed and grown will be kept - only if it's allowed to.

For another, proper conduct is necessary. Many ways could Ruth have taken, but the one of propriety is the one that brought her to where she ended up, the owner of the fields she was trying to scrounge off leftovers from in the beginning, and an ancestor of Christ. Even as a total stranger to Hebrew culture, she followed along in the lines of proper behavior.

Finally, there's not just a passive waiting involved in transitory times, there's a reason to be there. Part of Ruth's appropriate behavior was her hard work. She knew she was to glean for her and Naomi, and she worked at it with all she could. If God places someone in a temporary situation, there's still work to be done. God can time things perfectly, like he did with Boaz and Ruth's first day at work. And in her hard work, he took notice and passed on favor and acceptance.

I've felt like I'm here in Boston only for a little while longer, until a firmer answer about my future comes into view (whether it involves Boston or not). But I think I've been too passive, only recently seeking to learn what I need to learn before that next step comes. I'm glad God teaches these things as He does, glad He gives a second chance. A third of my training, transitional time has gone, but I have at least the rest to pursue what He's teaching and to conduct myself appropriately.

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