1 Samuel 2:11-12, 26  
Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy ministered before the LORD under Eli the priest.  Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD … And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.
Hannah’s delight was her son, Samuel, but she must have had an even deeper delight in the faithfulness and presence of the Lord, because she not only relinquished her son to serve the Lord, she also relinquished her right to parent.  Instead, she left her only son in the care and discipleship of an inept father and priest, Eli, and his two promiscuous thieving sons.  Despite the poor leadership and example of Eli and his sons, the Bible states that “the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.”  What a faithful God!  
This passage is encouraging to me because I know that I am an imperfect parent, and that my children will be exposed to bad influences throughout their life, but the faithfulness of God can be depended upon.

Joy