For This Child . . .

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of Hannah and Samuel. If you've never read it you can find it in 1 Samuel 1:1. This is the story of a woman who more than anything wanted a child yet could not conceive. In her desperation she cried out to God, and He heard. But Hannah didn't hold on to Samuel. She gave him back to God at a very young age. Just after he was weaned she took him to live at the temple. Many of us can't imagine what it would be like to leave our children at the temple. But Hannah did what she felt God was calling her to do, and while God doesn't call you to literally take your children to live at your church, although some of you may think that's not a bad idea, He does call us to dedicate our children to Him.

One of my favorite scriptures in this passage is 1 Samuel 1:27
^"27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him."

Andrew is my first Samuel. I waited a long time for him. I actually wanted to name him Samuel, but with our last name being Davis, Patrick was afraid people would call him Sammy Davis, Jr. (Andrew fits him better anyway). Our daughter will be our second Samuel. I pray for her daily. Right now we hold her in our hearts. One day we will hold her in our arms.

Both of our children belong to God. I don't think that has ever been a question in our lives. Honestly, I'm not sure how people parent without God's guidance and help. Being a parent is not easy. It is so challenging, but it is also so fulfilling. I encourage you today to dedicate your children to God. I encourage you to pray for them. To seek God's guidance in raising them. To trust Him to lead you and guide you and help you to be the best parent you can be. I have no doubt that you will find that the road is so much easier with God's leading and guiding.