Boaz gave orders to his men, “Even if she gathers among the sheaves, don’t embarrass her. Rather, pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.” Ruth 2:15-16

I would have loved to hear Ruth’s own retelling of that day. Perhaps she burst through the door to Naomi, her arms aching under the weight of grain, her face lit up with wonder. “You know,” she might have said, “this afternoon was easier than the morning. Somehow, I gathered twice as much in half the time. Isn’t that strange?” Maybe she lay awake that night, turning it over in her mind, unable to explain it. The truth was simple—Boaz had gone before her. He had quietly instructed his men to leave grain on purpose. The path Ruth walked was not random; it was prepared. Every stalk, every blessing, had been deliberately placed in her way. Her labor was still real, but grace had gone ahead of her, multiplying her effort.

As a child, my favorite fairy tale was Hansel and Gretel.  I was captivated by the image of Hansel dropping breadcrumbs through the forest—tiny tokens of care marking the way home. Gretel still had to walk through darkness, but she was not lost. Her brother had thought of her; his love had left her a path to follow. “Don’t cry,” he said. “I’ll take care of you.”  Even in the shadows of the forest, she was not forgotten.

I often think I am responsible for myself. The weight of daily provision weighs on me. With stooped shoulders, I conclude that if ground is to be gained, it’s all up to me. I fail to see that it is God who prepares the way. He graces my life with the right contacts. He surprises me with unexpected provision. He gives me favor in encounters that are pivotal to my future. He brings clarity to confusing situations just in the nick of time. I have erroneously considered such moments “coincidences”, but I know better.  I have toiled as though there were no Boaz, no Brother, no Shepherd who went before me.

But God is not a distant observer. He is the One arranging encounters, aligning timing, setting favor in motion long before I arrive. He is the quiet Provider behind every “unexpected” grace.

Today, I will walk with open eyes.  I will look for the breadcrumbs of Your kindness.  I know that I am guided, sustained, and loved.  Amen