choice being to take a shortcut or the easy way out. Many who make such decisions live to regret such choices when the longer-term consequences become clear. Sometimes, unfortunately, that is too late. When you approach the opening paragraph of the beautiful narrative of Ruth, you rapidly notice that the family of Elimelech (into which Ruth marries) plows into just such a disastrous dead end. Their choice to attempt what appeared to be a logical shortcut ended in tragedy. The supposed ticket out