Jewells of Thought

How do you know when you have found the right Special Someone? My Mr. Right, has always, in my mind, been someone who could have some of the special traits that characterize my Dad and both of my Grandpa’s.

No your eyes are not deceiving you. This copy of this picture from a blown up version Lamar Imaging Service made me for Rosemary’s Celebration of Life. Grandma liked butterflies so they were all over the several billboards I put together. Roses were also decorating these towering, readable articles.

Everyone has their own definition, it seems. However, in Genesis 2:20-25, God created Woman from Man and they fit together perfectly. In my mind there are no other more qualified examples of this better than my Grandparents; both sides of my family.

Although, I could be a tad bit biased. You probably are thinking of a specific couple right now, aren’t you?

For this special article, I will be solely concentrating on my Mom’s side. It will become clear as to why in a little bit.

Celebrating love is a normal trend especially for being in February. Fifty years. This is an amazing feat in this modern age, but it is possible. Unfortunately, five months to that very anniversary Grandpa died; a bittersweet ending.

However, that very Sunday morning it ended, Grandpa revealed some of his personal thoughts. All I know is hearsay because I was sick that morning, but several of our church family commented on that beautiful and moving testimony. My mom told me that he had spoken of his long time favorite account from the Bible, about Ruth and Boaz.

As their granddaughter, these are my musings and not his words that morning. There are some distinct similarities in their story and that of the recorded Bible account. The romance of Ruth and Boaz still speaks through the chronicles of time. That essentially is why the Bible is God’s spoken work; He wanted it to transcend time and be our example in any situation we would find ourselves in.

My grandmother had to be a grown-up much too soon. Her father died leaving her mother a widow with three young daughters. Grandma being the oldest at nearly 8 took on more responsibilities to assist her mother. Obviously, the introduction sounds familiar in Ruth, chapter 1.

Just as Boaz had to consult with Ruth’s closest kinsman redeemer; Grandma had another suitor before Grandpa. However, this suitor had to get through my great-grandma who was very picky. She wanted only the right man for her oldest daughter. Her instincts told her this man was not the right one so she said, No!

Grandpa had just returned to Indiana after being in the Navy for two years. That time was spent learning about the Navy, but more importantly about himself. I am certain he made decisions concerning staying in the Navy or going home to care for his mother. Like Boaz, their mothers were both of great strength and faith. These two women prayed for their sons to both be men of substance, I’m sure.

Rahab is mentioned in Hebrews for her faith, Boaz would also have been the same so the story reveals. Grandpa’s mother’s faith was shown by action as well. I have heard countless times the various notable preachers who came to her house: and she fed them. Not to mention her singing in groups that would travel at least throughout the land of Greene and Sullivan Counties as far as I know.

Grandpa provided for Grandma better than any of the stepfathers she had in total had done. Just as Naomi had said in Ruth chapter 4 that Ruth supported her better than 7 sons could have had. Boaz and Ruth were blessed with their one child to be a part of the lineage of Christ. My grandparents are as blessed with 5 kids, 8 grandkids, and now up to 7 great grandchildren. Also add-in two granddaughters and 5 more great-grandchildren through the merging of a new blended family.

Do you see correlations to Bible couples in your family? More importantly do you see the blessings that only come from putting Christ first in your marriage?