Read: Matthew 11:28-30

Reflect: One of the hardest decisions many of us will ever make is the decision to release a loved one into the care of someone else. Most often, this is a choice adult children must make with regard to a parent. Sometimes parents must make this choice for a child they can no longer care for. Being a caregiver is holy work. It can also be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting attending to the needs of loved one 24/7/365.

Jesus invites all who are carrying these kinds of heavy burdens to turn to him. He promises to share the load and lead us to places where we can find rest. Rest that comes in the form of respite and long-term care givers, the support of our families and friends, and the assurance that in Jesus, God’s goodness and mercy are unconditional and limitless.

Prayer: O Lord, we are at the limits of our power to help. We place into your hands ourselves and all that we have left undone. For what you have helped us to do, we thank you. We ask you to lend your strength to what must be done by others. Now shelter us in your peace, which surpasses our understanding. Amen. (from All Creation Sings, p. 54. ©2020 Augsburg Fortress, used by permission.)