Parenting is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I love being a mom, don’t get me wrong, but it is exhausting. My 8 year old went to a birthday party over the weekend and it was of course, on a Sunday. My husband was able to take her and I would pick her up after church. He worried about leaving her there but I told him not to worry, I’d be there soon and she would be fine. Less than 30 minutes into the party, I got a call from the birthday girl’s dad. She had kneed herself in the nose and had a nose bleed.

Now, if you know my 8 year old, you will know she is not one to just shake it off. She is my strong-willed, dramatic wild one and when she is hurt, everyone knows! I couldn’t help but laugh- as I had just told my husband not to worry she’d be fine- famous last words! Of course, when I got there she saw me, gave me a hug and continued playing.

I think she just needed her mom and to know she was okay. We all need that reassurance in our lives, no matter how old we get. We all need a hug and to be told we are safe. When you are feeling alone or can’t get a hold of the one that does for you, do you turn to God?

The Gospel of Matthew says, ²⁸“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

It is the call from Jesus to give your worries, to give your burdens over to God. For when we simply can’t carry anymore, God will carry us. Just as a mother carries and loves her child, God loves us all. Lean into that. Lean into God’s love and allow your heart to remember that even in the darkest of times, God is with you and carrying you. I hope my children always know I am there for them. But I hope even more that they know God is there for them too and in that they are incredibly loved and cared for.

– Pastor Ali