I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty….  Ruth 1:21 
 
For the next few days, let's take a look at the Book of Ruth. When famine came to Bethlehem, Naomi, her husband and two sons, moved to Moab. What they hoped would be a short stay turned into 10 years. Their sons married two local girls, Ruth and Orpah. Then the unthinkable happened - Naomi's husband and sons died. Now she was bitter; everything she'd ever loved was gone. When she heard that the famine in Bethlehem was ending, she decided to go back home. But what did she mean, 'I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty'? Hadn't she originally left a land of famine for a land of plenty? She was saying that despite the famine at home, at least there she had her husband and sons, but in Moab, the land of plenty, she'd lost them. There's an important lesson here for you: you can be blessed and not realize it! Only later as you look back do you discover that what you had was more important than all the things you didn't have. You never miss the water till the well runs dry! When Naomi lost what she loved most, even a famine seemed insignificant by comparison. Happiness doesn't come from getting what you don't have; it comes from appreciating what you do! Next time you're tempted to whine and complain about unimportant stuff, ask yourself, 'What would I take in exchange for what I have?' Then count your blessings, and begin thanking God!