Today's story in the reading about Ruth has always made my sentimental heart swoon. Her passionate loyalty to her mother-in-law, her work ethic, her willingness to go into the unknown all make her an incredible heroine and example for all of her sisters to follow. Plus, isn't it romantic and powerfully stirring that Boaz fell in head over heels for her and "commanded the young men" to do her no wrong??? (Ruth 2:9)
I think back on countless trips to the movie theater to watch a rom-com in my teens and into my twenties. Maybe I was with my mom (who loved buying a box of Dots only to select out the green ones), or one of my sisters (who could drive), or as I grew older, I might have slipped out on a muggy summer night with girlfriends (cackling and running from that scorched air into the cool). Did you also love coming away from a movie all a-flutter? Also clutching the warm buzz that some super smart and handsome man would whisk you away from the humble humdrum of the everyday?
Ruth could tell a pretty amazing romance story, but the ultimate romance story, and the ultimate Man to whisk me away from my humdrum life is Christ. He's the one Who assures me that living my humble life without flashy fanciness means I'll be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)
When I pined for a overwhelming sense of passion and love as a teen, I didn't know I was pining for real completion only available through my relationship with God. When I texted out the pieces of my pity-party heart to my girlfriends after the reality of young love broke open, I didn't know the balm wasn't more ice cream or more verbal affirmation. (Both are great, but, you know.)
Our God will lift us up, us lowly normal gals, and flood our hearts with His love. He directs the purpose for our minds: to work hard on becoming Saints so we can be reunited with Him in the next life. His grace animates our souls to share joy and charity with those around us. He's the ultimate romance story, and we are so lucky to have Him.
If you're also one who wants a happy ending for her love life, remember Who loves and fulfills us completely, and ask Him to help you know that more deeply.
Our God will lift us up and flood our hearts with His love. // @WholeParentingClick to tweet
Nell O'Leary is a recovering lawyer who blogs and sews while tending to her husband and four kiddos in the great city of Saint Paul, Minnesota. She serves as Managing Editor for Blessed is She and can down a iced chai tea latte in no time flat. Find out more about her here.
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