By Beth Bontrager, Mennonite Historical Library administrative assistant
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (NRSV)
Hannah was unable to be with her growing son, Samuel, because she promised him to God’s care and work. But when she visited him, she could give him something she made, just for him, with love and hugs: a robe, once a year. I imagine Samuel loved that robe, given to him by his mother, made with care and, perhaps, a few tears.
I have a few articles of clothing made for me by my Grandma Cora Wyse, including a crocheted scarf, some sewn jumpers, and a knitted sweater. I also have clothes that my mother enjoyed wearing in her last years as she declined due to Alzheimer’s.
Wearing clothing given to you or made for you by a loved one, like Samuel wearing his mother Hannah’s robes, I consider akin to being hugged by that person. Though Grandma and my Mom have died, when I wear Mom’s sweater or wrap Grandma’s scarf around my head and neck, I feel held and embraced and loved by them. Their gentle kindness holds me from beyond the grave.
How do you feel God’s embrace? Just imagine how God puts God’s arms around you and makes you feel loved. Perhaps you feel it when you lie in a snowbank, making a snow angel and seeing the snow fall on your face. Perhaps it’s when you sniff the fragrance of a beautiful flower. Maybe it’s when your animal friend snuggles up to you or licks you affectionately. Sometimes we feel wrapped in God’s love when we listen to music. Sometimes a friend’s smile or wave gives you that feeling. The rushing wind around you, a starry sky, children playing, group laughter, all these things can be the embrace of God.
Just imagine being wrapped in God’s love. How will you feel it today?
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (NRSV)
Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. 19His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year, when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord”; and then they would return to their home. 26Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with the people.