Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s temple. In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD. And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” – 1 Samuel 1:9-11 (NIV)

I love the story of Hannah, not only for her devotion to God, but because of her desire to have a child.  This is a desire that men and women have had at varying degrees of intensity since Adam first loved Eve.  It is a desire I had even as a young man. Fatherhood was as much of a goal as any career aspirations I held.  Even so, I can’t imagine the depth of desire that Hannah felt.  She wanted to serve God through motherhood more than anything else in this world, and God fulfilled her desire.

My daughters are amazing and special girls and I am grateful to God for Him allowing me to be their father.  They inspire me and challenge me in my walk with God and the manner in which I live my life.  Unfortunately, I forget how desperately I wanted to be a father in the midst of being a father.  I forget that God’s desire to hold His children close never waivers or wanes.  Hannah seemed to hold onto this with all of her heart.

I want to have a greater desire to become a better father than I did to become a father in the first place.  My daughters deserve a better man tomorrow than they have today.  My girls need someone with the devotion, commitment and passion like Hannah and I want to be that someone.

Lord, please remind me of the amazing gift fatherhood is each day.  Help me to be a better father, husband and friend in increasing measure.  May your love and grace be evident in the way I love my children. Amen.