July 26, 2010 @ 7:51 am
Boaz or Ruth?
Boaz & Ruth, Richmond, VA (36)
To be quite honest I’ve been postponing this writing for quite a while. It would be the very beginning of my very last week long trip through my 48 state journey. After nearly completing the goal having consumed much of who I’ve been for the past year, I’m not sure exactly what I’ll do next, where I’ll go from here, if I’ve in fact, found my purpose. More than anything however I have to say I’m most sad to see the trip, the actual day to day reality of this endeavor; turning through pages of testimonials and stories of survival, the phone calls greeted with confusion, yet intrigue, as I describe the unbelievable path I’ve been allowed to follow throughout the past year, the writings that have opened windows to who I am, who I want to become…rapidly approach its end. This dream, which has become an incredible reality, is something from which I’m slowly waking. I can only hope that the treasures with which I’ve been graced throughout this journey will continue to affect me greatly. And though I’m quite certain they will, perhaps that’s what saddens me the most…that something that’s been so rewarding must inevitably come to an end.
But eleven states still remained to be seen, so I couldn’t count my chickens just yet. And my frown had to be turned upside down, as Virginia was calling my name!
I’ve worked with a lot of different organizations by now. There have been events with white tablecloths and tall glasses of wine, and then there were the parks and fields with flowering trees, blue birds gracefully floating by, and the breezes that literally take your breath away. Browsing through the many volunteering opportunities, I’d read an article regarding the importance of reaching those who’d at one point been imprisoned, and this was one group of people with whom I’d had no involvement. I looked into working with “Books to Prisoners” and other organizations but finally, I came upon the perfect place. Boaz & Ruth, is an organization that focuses to “rebuild” the lives of those who were once incarcerated by providing jobs and training them for a better future, “empower” a community by restoring buildings, attracting businesses and creating new jobs, and “connect” the people as they strive to eliminate the racial, economic and geographic barriers from one area to the next. Not only would I be working with people who’d experienced some of the greater struggles in our society, but I would be able to see them as they were making the most of their lives, on their way to the best part of who they would soon become.
Now don’t get me wrong, the organizations have all been beyond amazing. Their missions are strong, necessary, bettering who we are as a society. But I must admit, the best part of this journey has most definitely been the people I’ve met; the ones who make these organizations work for the people, speak to the people, change the people…and just would be the case once again, here in Richmond.
I’d decided to work at one of the businesses under the colorful umbrella of Boaz & Ruth, Firehouse 15, a quaint restaurant that at one time was a working fire station, but in recent years had been transformed into a lovely gathering place for those enjoying a quick lunch break as they talked business, perusing through the latest briefs, bills and contracts. Square tables were scattered throughout with soft table cloths and small flowers peeking from tiny vases. Having never served in the restaurant industry, you can imagine my inability to immediately join in on all the fun. But the entire staff couldn’t have been more understanding. The ladies slowly explained each and every aspect of what my job would entail, talked with me about my ambitions in life, and constantly chuckled with a laughter that shook their entire bodies. The men, thankfully, were patient and quite eager to make me feel welcome. And though there were a few mistakes (like completely forgetting to ask white or wheat-total gasp), overall things were golden. And as the day progressed, so did I, and filling containers with sugar and Sweet’N Low, pouring lemonade and sweet tea to the tops of glasses held by small hands, and whipping up the washrag that hung easily from my bright purple shorts as I wiped away chocolate chips and cookie crumbs, made me feel like a real waitress… apron, pad, pencil, and all.
Different times throughout the day, I considered the story of Boaz and Ruth. She was but a poor widow, caring for her mother-in-law, working on the farms, gathering the grains left behind by the harvesters to feed her small family. He was the wealthy farm owner. Seeing her, realizing the kindness she had shown to her mother-in-law, he requested she stay and enjoy the wealth of his land. Eventually, over time, the two married. In the story, she was a woman with very little, but because of who she was, with her strength and her kindness, he who was able to give, chose to give to her.
I thought about this over and over, and each time, I decided I was one of them, only my decision was always different than the one before. No, there were no great riches, no grains in the open fields, no in-laws…but there were characters, and on this day, I was playing both of them; the one who needed…a definite direction in life, and the one who was able to provide…cleaning, serving, and a friendly face. Of which I actually was on that or any other day, or if I somehow fell in the area between the two, I’m not sure. I kind of think we all find ourselves asking exactly who we are…what role we play. But you know, I’m pretty sure that’s just it for each of us. We’re not just one person. In any given circumstance, we can often find ourselves to be an incredible strength, with unending weaknesses…a person who follows and a person who leads. In any case, no matter who we decide to become, greatness within may soon follow.
With the shadow of Fire House 15 looming in the rear-view mirror, I’d come to the conclusion that my day had begun as Boaz, the one willing to share time and effort. But I left as Ruth, the young lady who was shown such kindness, compassion and generosity as she searched for her place in the bigger picture of life. With each character, there had been lessons learned…the value of humility despite ones enormous successes, and the importance of sharing one’s particular gifts, and how that sharing can grow into something unimaginable…where prisoners become leaders, neighborhoods are revived, and children can walk along streets easily, with smiles, friends, free of judgement, free from harm.
In the future, I’m sure, just as in Richmond, I’ll play the part of two people at one time, and I’ll be proud of how important each character is to us all, how they should inspire who we are as one group of people, as we are as one society. And though I’m certain I won’t do Boaz or Ruth justice, I will try…to be kind, to appreciate what’s given me, and to humbly help others when possible, happily, while expecting nothing in return. This is my story of Boaz and Ruth… and, this is the story of me.
Note: To Jodell, who made visiting Virginia, just like visiting home, and to Raymond, who made it absolutely delicious…London style!
