TUESDAY

Ruth 1:1-18

• How was Ruth able to help Naomi through her suffering? What can you learn from her example?

My husband and I have a perfect marriage other than 100% of the time when we’re imperfect. One of the rhythms of conflict that we used to find ourselves in was this: When I would come to my husband with something that was wrong, oftentimes, he would offer ways to fix the problem. For a long time, I couldn’t figure out why that upset me. He was just trying to be helpful! One day, I blurted out the truth, which surprised me: “I don’t want to be helped! I just want to be understood!” This revelation has been invaluable to us as we navigate difficult days: now, my husband asks questions when I’m upset and validates my feelings, instead of trying to solve the problem himself.

When people are suffering, it is profoundly helpful to simply be present. To ask questions and learn about their suffering. Because sometimes, people don’t want to be helped: they simply want to be understood.