A Kiss for the World, Clinging for Hashem
Orpah kissed and Rus clung: worldly matters deserve only a brief touch, while serving Hashem calls for complete attachment.
The Noam Elimelech warns against a familiar thought: the day is still long; once I finish with the business of this world, I will start serving Hashem. Do not say so, he teaches, for our days on earth pass like a shadow. Instead, give the affairs of this world only a kiss. A kiss is a brief touch of the lips; so let your mind brush against worldly matters only as much as you must, and then cleave to the Creator with your whole being. The Rebbe finds this hinted in Megillas Rus: Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Rus clung to her. The name Orpah recalls the oref, the back of the neck, a picture of physical things, which receive only a kiss. The name Rus recalls saturating Hashem with songs and praises, and that service needs complete deveikus.
Source: Noam Elimelech, Bereishis, Vayetzei (on Bereishis 29:7 and Rus 1:14)
Notice tomorrow how much of your mind your errands and messages take, even while you daven or learn. Before Shacharis, write down the three tasks that are pulling at you, and tell yourself they will get their kiss later. Then, for the length of one tefillah, Shemoneh Esrei or even just the first blessing, give Hashem your whole attention. When a worldly thought pushes in, picture Orpah turning back toward Moav, and return to clinging like Rus.