I know myself, and I’m tired, weak and exhausted. That’s why God tells me, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).
Ahhh … rest, easy yoke, light burden. Why would I not accept that offer?
With God I know I can make changes in my life and the lives of my children. With God I know we can become a family that treats the blessing of each other and the material blessings we have with respect. I believe God is going to do great things in my family. I know He has faithfully shown me things that need to be dealt with, not because He wants to crush me with regret but because He wants to show me His love and grace as He restores our family.
That new pond? It’s beautiful. There’s even a Lifeguard who delights in watching us splash around together—in a line or not!
Lord, please give me the ability to lay my burden down and pick up Yours. I know I will be challenged daily and I will struggle, but Lord, You are faithful and loving and You will provide all that I need to meet each day with peace and joy. I’m thankful that You show me what I need to work on, what needs to be done, but Lord I’m even more thankful that because of You, I am not measured or valued by what I accomplish in a day or how well I do anything.
I am Your daughter, and I am loved because You made me. Father, please help me raise my children well. Please enable me to be strong, consistent, gentle, loving and graceful with my children. Just like you are with me! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Sue Birdseye is an author and single mom of five kids that range from 4 years old to 17 years old. This article is adapted from her blog, uptomytoes.com.
Janet Perez Eckles 
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Abby Trivett 
