Blanketed In Love

Blanketed in Love

“Who are you?” [Boaz] asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”

Ruth 3:9

I can’t think of anything more comforting than wrapping myself in a thick quilt on a cold winter’s day. With the popularity of Amish-made quilts, you might think they were invented by the Amish. But the Amish did not start making quilts until the mid-1800s. They learned quilting from their English neighbors. Yet while many English have given up the practice of quilting, the Amish carry on that skill with fervor.

Amish often make intricate and colorful quilts to sell at benefit auctions, and in their community, making the quilts a significant source of income. Originally, Amish quilts were quite plain; the use of bright colors or large patterns developed over time to make quilts more attractive to people who wanted to buy them. When Amish women make quilts for themselves, they still focus on simplicity and practicality. They make quilts to keep their children warm at night or to place on the lap of an elderly relative. Quilts are evidence of a mother’s care and provision for her home.

Just as Boaz covered Ruth with the corner of his garment to symbolize his commitment to care for her, God used a similar metaphor for His covenant with Israel: “When I passed by again, I saw that you were old enough for love. So I wrapped my cloak around you to cover your nakedness and declared my marriage vows. I made a covenant with you, says the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine” (Ezekiel 16:8).

A quilt communicates a sense of belonging. And although many of us have never learned to quilt, we can bring the same warmth to our families in other ways. A homemade meal, an unexpected gift, a small bundle of handpicked flowers—each can be a symbol of our love for the recipient.

An even greater gift is our prayers. We can provide this special “covering” anyplace, anytime. Lifting the name of a loved one up to God can bring the same warmth as a handmade quilt as we trust Him to wrap our families in His love.

Dear heavenly Father, my greatest desire is to cover my family with my love and provision. I start at this moment with my prayers.