Nana - The One Year Devotions for Women on the Go

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love . . . love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22, NIV

I love being around new grandmothers! They have all the joy of a new mother, but without the pain and recovery.

Here’s a snapshot of one “Nana” in the Bible:

The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son.” And they named him Obed. (Ruth 4:14-17, NIV)

Naomi had a baby? No, Ruth did! But Naomi is just as thrilled as a new mom. She is “renewed,” thanks to her beloved daughter-in-law.

How was that relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law established and nurtured?

• Spiritual talks: Ruth and Naomi must have had some, because Ruth left the false belief system she was raised with, married a believer, and after her husband died, she followed Naomi home to the Promised Land.
• Shared memories: The two women traveled together, back to Israel and around town. They both lost someone they loved: Ruth’s husband and Naomi’s son.
• Solved problems: They were broke, but they came up with a way to earn a living and start a home. They teamed up to triumph.

Mothers and daughters: Build a bridge to your in-laws. You might need them—and you might even enjoy them!