Ruth and Boaz...but not in that way.

For Christian singles everywhere, there's one love story other than that of Jesus and the cross with which we are familiar. That is...*drumroll please*...Ruth and Boaz. However, I am not going to approach the story from its traditional angle but while re-reading chapter 3, and reading some commentary I saw the story from another angle.

If you've never read the book of Ruth before; you would need to read chapters 1 and 2 to get the context for chapter 3. In this chapter we have learnt that Boaz has expressed a love interest in Ruth and upon the advice of her mother-in-law, Naomi, (again, you will need to read the first two chapters), she meets him on the threshing floor, in the deep cover of night. As she lies at his feet, can you imagine what's going through her head. Could she bare to think with her heart pounding through her chest? Aside from that, it must have been cold, she might have been sweating. What would he think when he wakes up and finds her craddled next to his feet?

Alas, he awakes and she asks him to spread his skirt over her. Wow! Heavy stuff. You won't find this stuff in Mills and Boon- or whatever is in now. But, this was her 'proposal acceptance' of sorts, you kinsman redeemer you! Hubba, hubba.

Anyway, he acknowledged her and expressed his happiness that she chose him an older man and not one of the young tigers. Assured of her feelings, he lets her know that there's a kinsman nearer to him and she must wait to see how the matter turns out; as first thing in the morning he'll see if he (the nearer kinsman) is interested, and if not- he'll return to her and take her away to be his wife.

Boy this may have been nerve-wrecking for both Ruth and Boaz. Him being so close to love but so far, and her, having to wait to see the outcome.

However, the verse that took me aback is verse 9. See: "Ruth 3:9". In the Hebrew language it is said that skirt and wings derive from the same word. For us Christians, we say to God, spread your wings over me. I want to be under your care and protection. I want to be your bride. Hide me under your wing where I am safe (Psalm 17:8)- #mindblown.

Christ continues to pursue us. We have been through tough situations, life has beaten us 'round the head and oppressed. To which God responds, you are persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed 2 Corinthians 4:9. However, there's a safe place in God- in a covenant with God.

I don't know about you, but the topics of patience, faith, grace and dependence on God spoke to me and I thank God for His revelation.

For further reading view the Ruth 3 commentary by Matthew Henry.

Why there's a little Sheldon in all of us.

Okay. So I guess in order to write a post like this, one must have a certain love for "The Big Bang Theory" LOL.

So a series of unfortunate events has led me to believe that there's a bit of Sheldon Lee Cooper in everyone of us. Yes, I said it. If we are honest with ourselves, there's a bit of that obnoxious, awkward nerd with friends. I dare say, what we often dislike in others is often a reflection of what lies within us. Come on, have you ever stopped to think how on earth does Sheldon have friends? Like seriously? Perhaps, we are bit like that and either deny it or are unaware. Here are some examples.

• "Nobody touch my stuff"

For some of us we hold a certain value for our belongings that others may not necessarily share. Albeit, we might get a little hostile and defensive but hey, if you're like me, you have had enough broken toys in your past (broken by other people) to warrant this rule.

Perhaps, you're not a germaphobe like Shelly or Monk but there's a certain value attached to your stuff like your food and other belongings that should just remain off limits.  

• Nobody enter my room

Boldy go where no man has gone before must be how it feels to enter Shelly's room lol. I am not too sure what's so special about Sheldon's room, but I guess it has something to do with him being uncomfortable with displays of human affection and invasion of personal space- sorry Amy. This sacred zone for many teenagers is that place (in their parents' homes) that is off-limits! 

It's the only place that screams "me" and stores everything that's important to us from personal items to personal journals and diaries. For adults, "stay out of my room" is a must or that favourite scarf, blouse, watch or skirt turns up missing and would mean employing the services of the K9 unit to locate it. Face it, our room is our 'no through zone' and for good reason. So maybe Sheldon is on to something.

Are you convinced yet? No? Ok.

• Awkward relations with the opposite sex

Any avid watcher of TBBT is still trying to wrap their minds around Sheldon having friends or a roomate for that matter, much less a romantic partner- poor Rajesh. Sheldon and Amy (Shamy) are a phenomenon in and of itself. But, there's somebody out there in a relationship like this that other people are trying to figure out. It's interesting to see Amy show Sheldon a self-proclaimed superior specie how to be human. I am not sure if Amy is around because she doesn't think she

can do better or...well there really is no or in this matter. It just makes for good television. So here's to the awkward couples making it work!

• Oblivious to social conventions and sarcasm

I know that not everyone is a 'social animal'. Believe it or not even the advancement of the internet there are some people who do not know what is sarcasm lol. Conversely, many people are more confident talking to a screen than an actual human. It's funny seeing Sheldon navigate the waters of human interaction. From racist statements to sexist remarks, this is some interesting tv.

• Know-it-alls

If my friend you cannot identify the know-it-all in your circle of friends, it's probably you. I feel for Wolowitz who is often the butt of Sheldon's jokes because he doesn't have a PhD like his other friends and his wife. If you're not one with a high self-esteem this can hit you where it hurts. Although, I am not sure if Sheldon is unaware how hurtful his statements are or just doesn't care. If it's on his mind, he says it... which brings me to my final point.

• Word vomiters

Oh these people just say what is on their mind or what everybody is thinking but wouldn't say. Appropriate or not Sheldon really doesn't care. In TV land it makes for good comedy but not out here in the real world.

Of course there are other character traits of Sheldon that can only describe him,, but I still posit, that there’s a bit of Sheldon in all of us.