Dear Hannah Pt. 3

Dear Hannah,

Well, here it is, the day before we head off to take our son to school.  This morning I am struck by a couple of things that you did when you were in my position.  First of all, you stayed home and, as far as I can tell, did your very best to raise Samuel at home to the best of your ability, until you felt he was mature enough to move away.  And when that time came, you didn't change your mind or postpone or back away...you kept your promise (1 Sam. 1:23).  So here it is, the time has come for our family.  I want to move forward and not back away, even if it's hard.

The second thing that struck me is when you said you would, "leave him there with the Lord permanently" (verse 22, NLT).  This was a permanent change for your family.  While you would always be Samuel's mother, and I imagine a big part of his life, the change was big and it was permanent.  I live in a different world than you, Hannah.  I have internet and cell phones and airplanes working in my favor.  But the fact remains that this transition for our family is permanent, things are changing and we'll never go back to the way it was before.  That's a tough pill to swallow (not that you know what pills are).  But here's the other amazing thing about what you said, "leave him there with the Lord."  Our sons are with the Lord permanently.  Hannah, your son was going to live at the temple and be in the Lord's presence permanently.  I know that had to be a comfort for you.  On this side of the Cross of Christ, we have the Holy Spirit who resides in believers permanently.  I am so thankful that my son has the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, that will guide him and be with him PERMANENTLY.  

God says in Isaiah 41:13, "For I hold you by your right hand- I- the Lord your God.  And I say to you, 'Don't be afraid.  I am here to help you."  Of all the things my son is packing to take to school, I am most thankful for the Holy Spirit!

I don't suppose Hannah marked Samuel's clothes, but I had to write my son's name on all of his stuff!

Seriously?  On socks?  He better not lose any of these after all that writing! My suggestion to you?
Name your child using letters that are straight lines and not curvy ones.  You'll thank me later. 

Ahhh, this is better.  Iron-on labels!

I don't suppose Hannah had an electric iron, do you?