TRUSTING GOD
Today's reading:  1 Samuel 1-5

"The next year Elkanah, Penninah and their children went on their annual trip to offer a sacrifice to the Lord.  But Hannah did not go.  She told her husband, Wait until the baby is weaned.  Then I will take him to the Tabernacle and leave him there with the Lord permanently."  1 Samuel 1:21-22 NLT

I so admire Hannah's commitment to her vow to the Lord. 

It is so hard to give 'permanently' to the Lord what you lay on the altar.

I know.

I go back and forth to the altar laying things down--only to return and pick them up.

Things I've given to the Lord for safe keeping.  Issues I've shed in His presence.  Burdens I've given Him that were too heavy for my shoulders and heart.  Plans I've made.  Dreams I have. 

My own son.

I've asked the Lord to use our boy in wildly, godly ways.  I've prayed for him before I held him and every day since.  I've placed his needs, his future, his heart and his gifts at the feet of the Lord.

And then I go back to pick up a few things on occasion.

To give suggestions to the Lord.  To question His direction.  To want to handle the schedule of my child's life, instead of letting God do it--like I've asked Him to.

I admire Hannah.  She took her little boy to the Lord and left him there for the Lord to care for, raise and keep.  She sets an example I should follow.