I recently overloaded my life. Wife, caregiver, writer, Bible teacher, Nana, and Mom can be too many roles to fill. I added on a week of VBS, which included prop building, lesson prep, prayer, and teaching littles for a week. I crashed, which called for a reset.

I’ve reevaluated my responsibilities and slowed down. If possible, I will strive to meet weekly goals, but if I fall short, all will be well. Adding to my responsibility is more time caring for my mom due to my niece breaking her leg and ankle. I’ll be mostly on my own for approximately six weeks, or will I?

I’m reminded of Ruth, who was left to provide for her mother-in-law as they left Moab. Ruth trusted Naomi’s God, with little understanding of true worship, and vowed to make Naomi’s people her people. Traveling to a strange city where cultural practices seemed foreign required a permanent reset. Willing to work, obedient Ruth followed her mother-in-law’s instructions and discovered a brand-new life.

Ruth gleaned in Boaz’s field, where he invited her to his table of protection and provision. Boaz soon redeemed Naomi’s land, giving Ruth a permanent place as his new bride. These women left a life of bitterness and loss to live a life of sweetness and gain.

As I embark on this unfamiliar journey, I want my old life to bring me spiritual gain and sweet fellowship with my Lord and others. God was with Ruth and Naomi, and He will be with me. Losing our old lives will cause us to gain Christ.   

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Philippians 3:8