November 17

but Hannah did not go. “After the boy is weaned,” she said to her husband, “I will take him to appear before the LORD and to stay there permanently.” — 1 Sam 1:22 BSB

At this particular time, Hannah’s religious duties were at home. Her child needed her care, and she believed that she was serving God faithfully by staying in Ramah and raising her son. And she was right. A mother’s first responsibility is to her children. No amount of public religious service can make up for neglecting the sacred duties of the home. She may be involved in charitable activities, help the poor, and bring comfort to those in need, but if she fails to take care of her own children, she has missed her primary calling before God.

A mother’s main duty is to bring her children up in a way that honors God. Everything else she does for others can only come after that. There are always many good things that demand our attention, but no one can do everything. We must carefully choose where we spend our time and energy. But it would be tragic if a mother allowed other important causes or public duties to overshadow the care of her own children. Her home responsibilities are uniquely hers, and no one else can take her place.