grace – Enchantments of a beautiful mind

Ruth’s Loveliness: The Graceful Stranger

Ruth’s reputation for kindness was widely known in Naomi’s hometown. However, Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, became increasingly bitter over time. She carried the weight of her uncertain future, grieving the loss of her husband and two sons, and enduring the hardships of life and emotional distress. Ruth faced the challenge of living with a bitter individual, an experience that may not have been pleasant.

Despite being advised to leave Naomi and pursue a prosperous life as a young widow, Ruth chose to remain by her side. She refused to give up on her identity and stayed in her rightful place. As a foreigner and stranger in the land, she had little reason to depend on her deceased husband’s family. The family’s wealth and reputation had diminished, and their desires went unfulfilled. Nevertheless, Ruth did not return to her parents and her homeland. Instead, she extended kindness to her mother-in-law (the only existing member of her deceased husband’s family).

Ruth’s good deeds and kindness earned her commendation. Boaz, recognizing her goodwill, believed that the Lord would reward her for her faithfulness and kindness. Despite her circumstances, Ruth determined that her identity was to position herself and find safety and protection under the wings of the Lord. She displayed determination, purpose, kindness, adaptability, and grace, pushing her limits and embracing change.

May we also seek solace in our Heavenly Father’s love, just as Ruth, a stranger, found favor and peace beneath God’s wings.

Taken from Scripture:

¹¹And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. ¹²The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

¹³Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”

Boaz’s Boundless Grace : A Tale of Freedom to a Love-lost Woman

Ruth was profoundly moved by the genuine kindness demonstrated by Boaz. She felt a deep sense of humility. The remarkable generosity he showed towards a woman of a different language and background left her astounded. It was a favor that went beyond the confines of traditional stories, transcending the boundaries of culture, language, and upbringing that separated Ruth and Boaz. This newfound wave of mercy felt divinely inspired to Ruth, for it was a form of grace that was truly unique within their nation.

Never had Ruth envisioned encountering a man so kind-hearted, who not only offered her grains and food but also provided guidance on finding the right companionship and offered advice to ensure her safety and protection from harm and danger. In a world where women often found themselves vulnerable and prone to being misjudged and mistreated, the hope that Boaz extended to Ruth was a beacon of light. His words of caution served as a shield, discouraging any ill-intentioned men from taking advantage of her. This is a tale of kindness and freedom to a love-lost woman.

As seen in this Scripture verse – ¹⁰At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”

The freedom bestowed upon a foreign woman like Ruth by Boaz was a manifestation of grace. It exemplified the essence of Jesus, the epitome of grace, who bestows freedom and life upon all. The life-giving actions of Boaz revealed a personality characterized by grace. The true and perfect grace person is Jesus Christ.

Uncharted Trails of Humanity & Divine Beauty

We have beautiful eyes gazing the earth, wandering around the world to never give up on the lost and the lonely.

It is the beauty of the Lord to remember the lonely, to bring to an environment of glad tidings, laughter and communion. He knows that two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. If two lie down together, they will keep warm.

The Spiritual truth is our Heavenly Father loves mankind. He makes way to enjoy their lives with the joy of companionship, family and community. It is not good for man to be alone, He said; so, He created a right companion, a woman.

God places the lonely in families; Psalm 68:6

That draws a boundary. He sets them in a place of love, comfort & joy and His saving grace is their only source of victorious lives.

Vacation: Days of our Lives

Days relentlessly waiting for vacation was soon fulfilled and our souls were truly satisfied. God made perfect everything that concerned me over our vacation period. Our scenery shifted from Australian outback to lushful & cool landscapes in South-India.

Ice-cold waterfalls showering on warm & sunny days at Courtrallam & Gundaru dam-Gopal private waterfalls with families, followed by dining our favourite parotta at Border Rahmath. Well-known Boat-house at Allepey backwaters with superb hospitality & serving those native Karimeen fried fish; speed boating with our families, bought fresh catch of the day “yabbies”, followed by music & games with families. Cool air & unforgettable fresh new mornings at the resort, beautiful misty mountains at Munnar hillstation, nature’s rich bounty with tasty palm fruits & fresh coconuts, visited Mattupatty dam, boating & safari to Eravikulam National Park, watched beautiful native species Tahr goats and relaxed at serene resorts, explored Tea Factory. We celebrated the oneness with lots of native food & thanksgiving, sneaked into Cowboy Adventure Park (loads of fun there!). We embraced long awaited family get-togethers (yearning for each other for years since Covid lock-down); not to miss the hustle & bustle of Bangalore city, heart-warming hospitality & food, fun filled barbeque at twilight with dear family, memorable days at Bannerghata National park & safari; watched celestial objects at sky theatre at Jawaharlal Nehru planetarium, good load of family meals, shared cooking, nanna co-sleeping, shared valuable & favourite childhood nibbles, shared “nephews” proud moments, heavy purchases, made into heavy laden travel bags, meet up with close friends & mentors, packed our bags and flew back to Australia.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, James 1:17