Ruth Enter Stage Right

Last night, when I was training a worker for aide work, I met one of our residents.  I asked him to bring his bathrobe down with him for Bible study in the morning. 
 
Strange request, you might think, but he had been anticipating, for some days, his role as “Boaz” in this morning’s activity. 
 
I told the group last week that we would be studying the Book of Ruth, and had discussed role playing the events with this individual.  We had arranged that he could be Boaz, and he was looking forward to it. 
 
We had lots of fun! 
 
Earlier, I had made name stickers for each cast member (Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, Boaz’s relative, and two servants), but hadn’t realize that Ruth’s sister-in-law had a speaking part, too.  At the last minute, I ended up casting myself in that role as well as being narrator.
 
Thanks to terrific help from our activity director, the whole cast was quickly dressed and in order for our “St. Anne’s Production of…Ruth.” 
 
I had pulled out the costumes from my office closet which had been put together for our Christmas pageants in previous years. 
 
Even as adults, we haven’t outgrown the joy of play-acting.  It continues to be a powerful way to help scripture (or any stories/events) come even more alive. 
 
A little humor sprinkled in adds to the fun as well.