Hey friends, welcome to the Graceology with Gwen Smith podcast.

I'm Gwen Smith and I'm really glad you're here.

Each week I host two different shows, one with incredible guests and meaningful conversations,

and one called A Moment of Grace, where

it's just me, talking to just you, in a reflective, devotional style to help connect those

busy, bruised, and broken places to the beautiful hope of Jesus. So now I invite you to sit

back and take a deep breath as I share with you a moment of grace.

It was spring break and we were home. Social media posts of friends were showcasing sandy beaches,

yummy meals, and fancy schmancy hotel lobbies and pools. I was doing laundry,

finishing up my taxes, and wrestling with cravings that were stirred by the glittery things

that everybody else was eating and doing. As I turned to the Word of God, I was reminded that none

of this is new. I was also reminded and

convicted that looking at and longing for what other people have, are, and do is not God's

best for me. In the Bible, the Lord uses a strand of strugglers just like you and me

time and time again, and I am so glad about that,

aren't you? The book of First Samuel introduces us to a woman named Hannah, who was admittedly

deeply troubled and ridden with aches of longing. Her life was complicated, but she knew where to turn

in her turmoil.

The word says she poured out her soul to God, and he heard her cries.

In time, Hannah gave birth to a son named Samuel, and she gave him over to the Lord for his service.

1 Samuel 2, verse 26, tells us that Samuel was raised in the house of God, where he grew in stature and in favor

with both God and man. As a young man, the Lord spoke to him and through him. And as years went by,

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