Ruth made an unpopular choice when she chose to follow Naomi, her mother-in-law back to Bethlehem Judah. She bound herself to Naomi and her God. Her father-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband had died in quick succession. An average person would probably think that their family was jinxed and run for her dear life. Nevertheless, she made the choice to stick with Naomi. Not even the low prospect of getting a husband could dissuade her like it did her colleague. We find a couple of lessons from Ruth’s attitude. First of all, her decision was from the heart rather than the head. Judging from the fact that she followed despite the negative prognosis, it must have been for reasons emanating from different quarters other than the head. Her heart served as the compass. God gave us a brain to reason. There are times when things will not add up but the heart goads us on. Those who know how to follow their hearts often encounter great breaks along the line.

“We learned that the best life is one lived in the service of others. We stressed that the hallmark of life is not just being happy, but having others happy because of us…Living for others is the golden rule of life.”

The second lesson stems from the fact that Ruth’s decision was completely altruistic. There was no personal gain in sight when she opted to leave her people and country and follow a stranger. She acted based on compassion. She had a feeling for an old woman who had lost the means to every earthly comfort. Ruth saw a gap in the life of Naomi and volunteered to fill it up. In our meditation yesterday, we learned that the best life is one lived in the service of others. We stressed that the hallmark of life is not just being happy, but having others happy because of us. Ruth exemplified this maxim adequately. Naomi was happy because of Ruth; and it was just a matter of time when she would reap the benefits of her selfless service. Living for others is the golden rule of life.