Ruth 3:1

With the harvest ending, Naomi turns her thoughts to Ruth's future. My daughter, she says, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? She longs to find Ruth a settled home, the security of marriage and belonging, so that the younger woman might be cared for and at peace. Naomi's love now moves from gratitude into action on Ruth's behalf.

The word rest here is the same deep settledness Naomi once prayed for her daughters-in-law on the road, the safety of a home of one's own. Having received so much through Ruth's faithfulness, Naomi now seeks Ruth's good in return. This is love come full circle: the one comforted becomes the one who plans for another's blessing. There is something deeply right about an elder seeking rest and well-being for the young. In Naomi's tender resolve we see how God works through ordinary human care, using one heart to seek the flourishing of another, that it may be well.