I'll Do Whatever You Say~

Happy Wednesday:)




Naomi and Ruth have been our focus lately and for good reason. Their relationship teaches us so much, and let's face it--is there any decision we make more important than who we will marry?



Let me rephrase that. Deciding to love God and become His child is ultimately the most important decision we will ever make because it has eternal implications. But deciding who to date and who to marry will affect everything else we will ever do as long as we live.



So many parents I meet think that once the kids are 18 their worries are over. Sorry! In many ways the challenging years are just beginning. Why? Because the decisions our kids make as adults are for keeps. A middle school relationship does not have nearly the importance, then say, the ones that start freshman year of college.



I once read a metaphor about marriage that really made sense to me.



When our kids start to date, it's as though they are out at sea--dancing on the waves--sometimes going from relationship to relationship. When they finally settle down with a nice vessel--no dinghies allowed--it's as though the ship has come in and anchored in the safety of a harbor.



Marriage is intended to be a happy and secure harbor, and so it is of vital importance that we lovingly and firmly guide our kids along these sometimes choppy waters. Or find someone to lovingly and firmly guide us if we are the one seeking a relationship or looking to improve upon an existing one.



Naomi played such an important role in helping Ruth navigate her relationship with Boaz. She gave her some great advice, like, "Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes..." And Ruth was wise enough to follow the advice. She says to Naomi, "I will do whatever you say."



STOP RIGHT THERE!!!



Those words are music to any parent's ears. Can you imagine your kids answering you like that? No temper tantrums, no "Why?", no "You can't tell me what to do!"



What was the result of Naomi's advice and Ruth's willingness to follow it?



Ruth 4:13 "So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son."



And not just any son either, but one who would grow up and marry and have another son and so on and so forth until Joseph, Christ's father, was born. Skip all the way to the first book in the New Testament and you will see Ruth's name right there in verse five in the genealogy of Jesus. Not bad for a foreigner from a godless land who took a step of faith and followed her mother-in-law all the way to the true God and into the arms of a loving, wonderful, generous, and gracious spouse.



In other words, incredible and amazing things happen when we mentor others and they listen. Never underestimate the impact that you are having on your kids or anyone else who you are praying for or helping.



PRAYER: Dear Lord, The story of Ruth and Boaz is an inspiration. We all want what they had--a mutually loving relationship--for ourselves and for our children. Guide us as we make these incredibly important decisions and thank You that the Bible has such great advice. In Jesus' name, AMEN~