Celebration

Today, my oldest turns 6-years old.  I was reading in the Book of Mormon this morning to prepare for the Sunday School lesson this week when I decided to cross reference a particular phrase.  I found the scripture and read it and then decided to read the surrounding verses.  I soon realized I was in the book of 1 Samuel and it was Hannah's psalm.  Well, I couldn't stop crying.  Why?  Because, today is Samuel's birthday.  And Hannah's story in particular is one of my favorites.  Here was Hannah, beloved wife, barren and so pained because she could not have a child.  She was surrounded by other women and their children and it was hard for her.  She prayed for a son; she went to the temple.  She was blessed with a boy and she named him Samuel "because I have asked him of the Lord".  In case you were wondering, yes, that is why we named our son Samuel.  The day he was placed in my arms was the day all my sadness melted away.  It was replaced with joy (or "beauty for ashes" as Isaiah phrased it).  Since then, my joy has only increased as Chad and I have welcomed two more babies into our home.  I cried because I was reading Hannah's song of joy and praise to the Lord and today I feel to sing that same song.  I couldn't help but acknowledge that reading this scripture today was no accident.  The heavens were rejoicing with me.  Happy birthday sweet Sammy boy.