Tuesday 30th June

Picture the scene. It's late morning, the sun is getting high in the sky and Boaz, the boss, arrives at the harvest field. It's a hive of activity and the workers only have time to return a greeting to Boaz before carrying on the back breaking work of harvesting the barley. Other people, not his employees, are also busy gleaning what they can from the corners of the field or from what has been dropped or left.

A discussion takes place between Boaz and his foreman and then Boaz strides forward towards one of the 'other' people in his field. Panic fills this 'other' person. What has she done wrong? Does this man just hate foreigners? Is she going to be asked to leave?

And then he speaks to her. His words are gentle, warm, kind. He calls her 'daughter.' He offers her easier pickings and a level of protection. On another hot summers day, he makes water available to her.

Why? Why should he say these things to her? Why be so kind? Doesn't he know that she's a foreigner?

I love what Boaz gives as an answer.
“Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about the love and kindness you have shown for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. v 11

How did he know? Because news travelled fast; because Ruth had become the talk of the town. Her sacrifice and love was being talked about, not because she had employed Max Clifford as her publicist, but because her character and good deeds shone out for all to see. Her reputation in the community and with Boaz was at an all time high. Was she looking to get a good reputation? Of course not. It just happened because she concentrated on loving and showing kindness to her mum in law. Her sacrifice was being rewarded.

I would like a great reputation. I would like people to speak well of me. (I am looking at getting some therapy for this!) And if I strive after this, I'll fail cause that's not how it works. It seems to me that my focus shouldn't be on my reputation but on my character, on my levels of love and kindness demonstrated. It's what Ruth did. Reputation meant nothing to her. I think it was Billy Graham who said in an interview a number of years ago, "If you look after your character, God will look after your reputation." He did for Ruth and what a reward she got!

Pray for me.. I am worried people won't like this blog and that my reputation as a blogger will diminish and that... (Now, where is my therapist's number?)