Reflection, March 18, 2007

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press, here is a selection from our book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok. http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

When life goes bad

"And both Mahlon and Chil'ion died, so that the woman [Naomi] was bereft of her two sons and her husband."
Ruth 1:5

What does it mean to go from joy to bitterness? From fullness to emptiness? What does it mean to leave our families of origin to seek a new life with a family of choice? How do we survive multiple bereavements, setbacks, crushing disappointments, and broken dreams? Where is God in all this pain? How do we experience the blessings of God when life goes terribly bad?

If you have ever asked these questions yourself, keep reading. Even when the unthinkable happens, we can experience blessing empowerment while grieving and rebuilding our lives.

But how? The remarkable and timeless story of Naomi can show us the way. Life had dealt her the worst that could happen. First, her husband died. Subsequent tragedy then took the lives of both her adult sons. In her extreme grief, Naomi decided to return to her birth country and family of origin for survival. Ruth, one of her beloved daughters-in-law insisted on accompanying her. Ruth's deep love, friendship, and devotion would become an ongoing source of blessing for Naomi in the days ahead.

Reflect upon your own life. How have friends strengthened and encouraged you in the past? Through their love and faithfulness, how did you experience God's loving presence through it all? Try to make the effort to thank friends for their encouraging words and many acts of kindness during times of deep personal grief and loss. Thank God for the countless blessings of friendship. Pray for cherished friends even when your own heart is throbbing with anguish. Such heartfelt prayers tap into an unlimited source of divine strength and loving encouragement. Remember to keep looking up and when you are feeling fragile, treat yourself gently. Take it one day at a time.

God, help us grow in strength and wisdom through Naomi's story. Bless us with good friends and help us be a blessed friend ourselves. Amen.