Long-Distance Loving

His mother used to make him a little robe.

1 Samuel 2:19

How does a woman who loves God and her family fill her days when her nest is empty?

That’s the challenge Hannah faced. After her many years of suffering, grief, and prayer, God graced Hannah with a son (1 Samuel 1 tells the whole story). As she loved and trained Samuel, her days were happy, full, and rich. But she had wanted a baby so badly that she vowed to “give him to the Lord all the days of his life” if she got pregnant. Because her love for God was genuine, Hannah kept her promise and took her young son to the house of the Lord.

So how does a mom fill her days when her children have moved out? Rather than give in to sadness, Hannah worked on long-distance love. Each year she made Samuel a robe and took it to him. Hannah, whose life was such an exquisite weaving, became a weaver herself-making clothing for the next generation.

Imagine the rich variety of colors she carefully selected for Samuel’s warm and beautiful coats. And imagine the memories she rehearsed before the Lord-memories of lessons she’d learned from the Lord through the years. And don’t you think Hannah, who prayed so fervently for a son, prayed for him also as she made his robes?

What can you do today to love your children and grandchildren across the miles? As a loving, praying mom after God’s own heart, reach out to your children today-and every day!-with your prayers and your love. Call, write, text, send emails, give gifts (large and small) — and always tell them you love them.

Read Long-Distance Loving on Elizabeth & Jim George.