Ruth 1:8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

Here begins a lesson on memories. Ruth’s husband has died and she clings to Naomi and her God and her people. As I see the actions of Ruth through her telling I cannot help but think that the life she had with her husband must have been good for her. The Lord had dealt kindly with her indicates to me a life that was good.

She soon meets Boaz and Boaz makes life easier for her. Read for yourself those things that Boaz did for her. It was a kindness he did not have to extend. Eventually they marry and have a son in the lineage of Jesus Christ. What a blessing to be taken out of Moab and all that it means and enter into this new life.

In this telling I find not one mention of the life she had with her first husband. She did not indicate any sorrow in the life that she lost nor used it to plead her case in the new life she sought. I find this to be an inspiration to me not to carry the memories of an old life into my new life. If I will refrain from dragging up my old life in this new life, it will help solidify the bond I have in this new life in Christ.

It is noteworthy to read and understand the actions of Boaz as he set a prime example of redemption before us to understand why our Lord redeems us.

Examples are for learning.