ruth 2. {working hard and humility}

this morning, i read ruth chapter 2. the two major themes that stood out to me were ruth's hardworking spirit and her humility.

ruth took initiative. she went to naomi and asked if she could go glean in the fields. after receiving naomi's blessing, she simply went out and did it. she didn't wait around for an opportune moment or fill her time moping about with self pity, although she had every reason to. {you see...ruth's husband had passed away and she stuck with her mother-in-law even though her mother-in-law gave her no hope for remarriage. she traveled away from her homeland to bethlehem because of her devotion to her mother-in-law.} ruth had a hardworking spirit. boaz's men noticed, saying "she came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter." {ruth 2:7b} ruth took the initiative. she did not wait for better circumstances to find her. she made the most of her life. she worked tirelessly. she did not complain.

additionally, ruth was extremely humble. she bowed to boaz with her face to the ground. {ruth 2:10} she asked boaz "“Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?" {ruth 2:10} she did not expect anything. she did not see herself as entitled to anything. she carried herself with grace, confidence, and boldness, but also with humility. all too often, i find myself having a spirit of entitlement. i expect certain things. i don't necessarily feel i deserve things, but i expect them. over the past week, i've realized how much stuff i have that i don't need. i live a comfortable life, but i'm not sure i want to be comfortable anymore. i desire to be transformed, and i feel that humility is something i need to acquire.

i am really enjoying going through ruth with my best friend. i want to be a ruth in this world. faithful. dependable. humble. hard-working. dedicated. bold. confident. loyal.