Day 67 – If only we were all Full of Grace.
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1- 4:22.
1 Samuel 2:1, “And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.”
The name Hannah means favored one, but Hannah felt anything but favored. She finds herself married to a man with another wife as well. Her husband’s other wife had several children, but she had none. However, Hannah’s grace can be viewed beyond her own belief. Even while being picked on by the other wife for her barrenness, Hannah remains humble and faithful. She is adored by her husband, and she adores the Lord. Hannah just wanted to know that God truly favored her by granting her desire to have a child. She vowed to give up the child if only He would bless her with one.
Hannah’s blessing came in the form of a son, Samuel. This little baby would be dedicated to the Lord and one day be called on to be a Priest. Hannah’s grace came as she gifted back the child she had prayed for and God gifted her back 3 sons and 2 daughters in return. Hannah’s grace was found in fulfilling her vow to the Lord. It wasn’t in selfish gain but selfless love.
For years, I’ve been amazed by a woman like Hannah, a woman that made a vow as a young teenager to a military man. She vowed to be his forever, no matter where that called her, and God blessed her in her fulfillment of that vow. She is full of selfless love for those around her, quiet peace for a troubled world, and she has walked with grace into every situation she has encountered. This woman, still living into her late 90’s, is my grandma, Helen Parke.
Oh to be found with such grace, such strength, and such selfless love before the Lord all the days of my life. This I cannot promise, but this I shall vow, that I will always try.
Running 2 Fly 