Once Boaz knew that Ruth was the Moabite daughter of Naomi, he answered the question she had asked--about why he was being so kind to her.  "Everyone has heard how you have cared for your mother-in-law since your husband died.  We know how you left your home to come here where you didn't know anyone.  We know how you take care of her.  It is God who has rewarded you.  You have trusted Him and have come under the protection of his wings in our country."

Boaz watched Ruth throughout the day.  He told his men to let handfuls of grain fall so that she could pick it up.  When everyone stopped to eat, he told her to sit with his reapers and eat with them.  There were probably dozens and dozens of people scrabbling for grain, but Ruth's kindness to Naomi caused her reputation to come to the attention of someone who could help her.  And he did.  God provides for those who love him.  Ruth had said to Naomi, "Your God will be my God."

I am sure she was ecstatic when she got home that night.  I bet she ran all the way home.  She couldn't wait to tell Naomi what had happened.  A huge burden had been lifted from her shoulders.    Then Naomi asked where she had gleaned that day--and Ruth told her.  "Boaz's field."

"Blessed be God who has not forgotten us after all," Naomi said.  "The man is one of our kinsmen."  Ruth shared with her that Boaz had told her to come back every day--until the harvest was over.  They would have grain for bread.  Enough grain to last till the next harvest.  I am sure that Naomi had been concerned about sending Ruth out unprotected.  "This is wonderful news. You won't have to travel from field to field where you could be in danger.  He has asked you to glean with his maidens."

And then, Naomi began to behave like every mother in the world who loves their daughter.  She began to think, "What if...."  Ruth must have been attractive.  She certainly had the qualities of character that would make her stand out in a crowd.  Boaz had taken notice of her.

So Naomi began to plan. "My daughter, I must think about your future.  I will not be here forever.  I will not rest until I know that things will be well with you; that you can be taken care of."  All a girl really needs is an anxious mother who knows how to get things done.  Naomi qualified for that.