Step Forth and Love Others

I often post about the thoughts that are rolling around and colliding inside my head. This short new year, Lord, has seen my thoughts dominated by two topics. The other day I wondered what was on Your mind. Perhaps You have had these two things in mind for me all along.

Again, however, I proceed with caution in declaring these two things. I mean, they are good. So You want us to follow what is good. But are they all You want for me? Do You want less? Am I even hearing You right? What I guess I'm trying to say is that I don't want to declare the two things You've been speaking to my heart about, leave and go pursue them and in that stop listening for Your voice. I believe that You are leading me in paths of righteousness. But I too believe that these paths can be changed if You desire. I want to remain humble and follow You, even if things change.

At Christmas, my parents gave us each a character from the story and challenged us to think about how that character might be related to us in the upcoming year. I've read the story of Joseph several times since then, but nothing has removed the immediate thought that I had when given the figurine.

"Step forth."

This is so frustrating. I haven't known what or how or who or where. I don't know why that sticks with me. What I assume is that I just don't know yet. That You are preparing me for something that has yet to come along.

Secondly, I've been teaching the book of Luke at church. My last teaching focused on Jesus' desire to bring change to others. We're all about change for ourselves, inner change, inner cleansing. But how much do we care when Jesus starts to bring about change in those we are uncomfortable with? Anyways, I have been convicted that I must keep an eye out for others. Truly loving others as the commandment says.

"Love others."

So those thoughts collided today as I began to read the book of Ruth. It's exactly what Ruth does. As her husband and her father-in-law both die, she is faced with a choice. Leave Naomi and go home to her people, leaving Naomi in mourning and a foreign land alone. Or she can choose to love Naomi, love the other, and stay with her in her mourning. To choose to support and be with her. And Ruth chooses to love others.

But Naomi also wants to go back to Bethlehem, her home town. So Ruth again must choose: to follow Naomi, to love Naomi, it is going to mean a journey. But Ruth chooses to step forth. To go on the journey with Naomi.

Ruth steps forth to love others.

I feel... I feel there is something here for me. I don't know what it is for certain. But those themes need to dominate my mind right now. I haven't been the best at following from these times together to the thoughts of my day. But I think I am at least beginning to simplify the noise that is also in my head.

Step forth and love others.