And as much as I could write about what a sweet experience it was to see my husband take our little boy in his arms and give him a name and a blessing… I mostly want to talk about what he wore.
I really wanted Abe to have a special blessing outfit but when I went to go buy one I was appalled that the one I wanted, a cute little knit sweater with pants, cost $40! Instead of paying this exorbitant price for an outfit he would wear once, I decided to try my hand at knitting him a blessing outfit.
I found this pattern on Ravelry and even though it was harder than anything I’ve tried to knit before (I’ve mostly just made hats and leg warmers) I thought I’d take a shot at it. It was hard (for me) and I pretty much worked on it non-stop for 2 weeks. I am so happy with how it turned out. I was thrilled it actually fit him because he went through quite the growth spurt in two weeks!
I poured a lot of love into those stitches and so it was was sweet for me to see my little boy bundled up in something I had worked so hard to make for him. It reminded me of another mother who also worked hard to make her son a special little coat.
“…Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child… Moreover his mother [Hannah] made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice… And the child Samuel grew before the Lord.” (1 Samuel 2:18-21)
I love to think about what sort of thoughts went through Hannah’s head as she worked, year after year, on Samuel’s little coats. I can only imagine the amount of love she poured into every stitch and I am certain that her coats were beautiful and unique; something that would remind Samuel, every time he put it on that it was because of her love for him, that she was willing to dedicate him to the Lord.
As my husband took our little boy in his arms to bless him and present him him to the Lord I couldn’t help but think about Hannah’s willingness to turn her son over to the Lord’s service. I can’t imagine anything harder than consecrating your child completely, to leave him in the trust of others, in order to serve the Lord.
And I hope that if, and when, such a sacrifice is asked of me that I will be able to make a sacrifice similar to the one Hannah made. Because deep in my heart I know that this little boy is more God’s son that he is mine. I am just grateful God has lent him to me for a little while.
Oh, and I just have to add this picture in because it took us about 20 tries and this was the best family portrait we could manage.
And some how it seems just right… a perfect illustration of our crazy little family.
I am really glad Abe chose to be a part of it.
That's cute! I think making clothes for my children is really meaningful too. I love that you thought of that scripture and applied it here. I made tatted lace for my oldest daughter's blessing dress and it was a nightmare to do, but it was worth the effort to do something meaningful for my child.
That family picture is adorable!
Adorable! Some day I must meet you! You are a blessing from Heaven to so many (me in particular). Thankyou, you make such a difference in my life. Bless you!
Oh, Heather, this post just made me cry and cry! (good crying!)
It was beautiful.
And our family pictures usually look like that, too. 🙂
beautifully expressed, wonderful sweater, and the perfect family picture! (most of ours look like this)
Wow, I am so impressed that you knitted him a sweater! Can I be like you when I grow up? 🙂
A lovely analogy. I'd never noticed that about Hannah before.
You should be very proud of that sweater! And I love the family picture.
Such a sweet & tender post. Abe is so adorable. You did such a good job on the coat! Just beautiful. ♥
What an accomplishment to knit that sweet little sweater, and what a special keepsake it will be.
Love the family picture. Why does it have to be so hard for everyone to be happy and normal and looking at the camera? 🙂
it seems like you never fail to make me a little teary! i love that crazy picture. i say frame it and put it somewhere prominent. that's a family to be proud of!
Your sweater is lovely – as is that family portrait!
I just love reading your blog. You've opened my eyes to some amazing women. Thank you. By the way, cute idea for a blessing outfit.
So beautiful and sweet. And your family picture is Awe.Some. So good!
Love the sweater, and the family picture. We have many like that. 🙂
Heather, I love that you made him such a special sweater and of course you have a beautiful scripture story to go with it! 🙂
Your family picture is priceless.