WORD
Read Ruth 1:6-18
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you. Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people and your God my God.”
REFLECTIONS
By Pam Seefeldt (Synod Council Representative, Prairie Coteau Conference)
A lifelong friend’s life turned upside down 11 years ago when her husband was paralyzed by a stroke. Six years ago, her mother who is 101 years young, could no longer live alone. In both cases my friend felt she was called to care for her loved ones in her own home.
While living in Moab, a foreign country, within ten years Naomi’s husband and two sons had died. Naomi planned to send her daughters-in-law back to their families in Moab and travel by herself to her homeland in Judah. Ruth refused to leave Naomi. When the women reached Judah, Ruth looked for work in the fields, gleaning grain to sustain Naomi and herself. Ruth viewed Naomi as a friend and companion who she respected and loved. Ruth felt her call to be Naomi’s caregiver was from the God Naomi taught her to love.
When individuals like my friend feel called to care for their loved one who can no longer independently care for themselves, they know the journey will not be easy for either of them, but because of their mutual love and respect, God blesses the journey.
We are also called to be caregivers in the process of calling a bishop. We are called to be encouragers and pray for the ones who may be chosen to be our new bishop. The new bishop will also be called to be a caregiver of the churches served by the synod. He or she will pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. God will bless the journey.
PONDER
When has the church, the body of Christ been your caregiver? When have you been a caregiver for the church, the fellowship of believers?
Past Reflections
April 10, 2019 – Rev. Dr. Lon Kvanli
April 7, 2019 – Rev. Dr. Steven Paulson
March 27, 2019 – Rev. Henrique Fleming
March 24, 2019 – Rev. Heidi Binstock
March 20, 2019 – Rev. Jackie Braun
March 17, 2019 – Rev. Wayne Gallipo
March 13, 2019 – Rev. Herb Wounded Head
March 6, 2019 – Ash Wednesday – Bishop David B. Zellmer
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