Re(a)d

Today I read the story of Ruth to my grandchildren. We are studying her in Bible study and I was thinking about my theme on nurturing in the lead up to Mother’s Day. What a great example we find in Ruth. She was determined to stay with her mother-in-law, work hard and make sure that Naomi was taken care of. I wonder if she made a promise to her late husband to do that. We see her faithfulness and determination passed down to through the generations and we her child see those qualities very strongly in David her great grandson who was to be King of Israel.

As a faithful daughter-in-law she showed great strength, courage and willpower as she faced the possible hurdles that she might come across. She would have continued being faithful throughout her marriage as a wife and mother. God also showed His faithfulness in the way that He protected both women and lead Ruth to Boaz.

Would I dare say I was as faithful, no way! My mother was like Ruth, determined, caring and faithful to her God. This year will be my first Mother’s Day without her and as I try to help and encourage my own children I am so very conscience of how many ways I fail to live up to her example, having said that, I also know that I have a very different personality to my mother. As mothers we are often surprised to see how many of our habits and quirky traits are seen in our children. We see them because our children copy us from a very early age. I pray each day that I will continue to look to Jesus and follow His example.

“Be ye therefore followers (or imitators) of God, as dear children;” Ephesians 5:1. Let’s us copy Jesus.