Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: FAMILY VACATION (07/30/15)
-
TITLE: A Heart Changing Trip | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Gage
08/06/15 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Elkanah was a God fearing man, committed to leading his family in strict reverence to the Lord. Hannah picked up the pace in obedience to her husband. Peninnah rounded up her children then slyly whispered to Hannah.
“Don’t forget your children, Hannah!”
Hannah cringed as she always did when Peninnah made her snide remarks about her barrenness. Just loud enough for Hannah to hear and usually low enough that Elkanah did not, eliciting a stomach wrenching sadness that Hannah learned to endure over the years.
The family set out on their yearly journey to Shiloh with Elkanah leading the way. Fourteen miles on foot with two wives and children in tow along with animals was not a piece of cake. But, Elkanah would never miss the opportunity and duty to worship the Lord of hosts. To experience the awe, splendor and glory as they bowed down and sacrificed at the Tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant was and Jehovah would bless them with His presence. Elkanah was deep in thought at such a vision and oblivious to the travel woes.
The trek was neither smooth nor easy for any, but especially not Hannah. Crudeness of the path, tiredness from climbing hills, dangers of robbers nor fear of wild animals compared to the torture that Hannah would have to bear as their family traveled to their yearly excursion.
The children constantly asked, “How much longer till we get there?” and complained about being hungry. Peninnah distributed snacks and shuffled them along.
Hannah tried to concentrate on the good things in her life, her loving husband, the sunshine and the provisions from the Lord. Yet her heart ached and Peninnah knew the exact spot to poke with curse words.
“Hannah, did you bring snacks for your children?” she snickered as she popped something in her mouth.
Elkhana was far enough ahead and just out of earshot from Peninnah’s remarks. He concentrated on looking for a shorter way to Shiloh, to lessen the burden on the family. Somehow throughout all the days and other times that Hannah had to endure her vicious taunting about not having children it did not compare to when they all took this journey together. The words pierced her heart like barbed wire with sadness of not being able to bear an heir for Elkanah. It seemed that this trip was always Peninnah’s favorite time to goad her. Hannah used every ounce of her will to stay silent.
A brief reprieve came as they encountered another family making the trek to Shiloh. They exchanged short greetings and God’s blessings to each other, then took separate paths.
Elkanah explained, “I know a short cut.”
Hannah trusted him, but they could never get their fast enough.
Year after year the family went to Shiloh. Peninnah provoked Hannah. Hannah silently endured. Elkanah worshiped and made a sacrifice to the Lord Almighty. He gave portions of the meat to Peninnah and her children. Then to Hannah, he gave a double portion, because of her barrenness. Sometimes Hannah was so downhearted instead of eating she just sat and wept. Then the family returned home. Thus went the yearly pilgrimage to the Tabernacle; the vacation this family knew.
But, one year was different. After they finished eating and drinking, Hannah stood up. In her deep anguish and through her bitter weeping she prayed and made a vow to the Lord. She asked the Lord Almighty to look upon her misery and remember her and give her a son and if He would, then she would give him to the Lord for all the days of his life. Eli the priest observed her and thought that she was a drunk woman. Hannah assured him that she was not, but just praying to the Lord out of her anguish and grief. Eli told her that she should go in peace and may God grant what she asked. Hannah’s face was no longer downcast.
The next morning they worshiped the Lord, then went back home. Elkanah made love to his wife.
The Lord remembered Hannah and she gave birth to a son; Samuel! She gave him to the Lord as promised!
Samuel; God’s first prophet to the Israelites.
I believe that after this ‘vacation:’ Elkanah’s commitment to the Lord grew stronger, Hannah knew there was no real short cut to Shiloh and Peninnah became the silent one.
Based on 1 Samuel 1:1-20
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
God bless~