Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
To all the tired moms out there.
To all the tired dads out there.
To all the tired grandparents who help their tired children take a break now and then.
To all the teachers, therapists, caregivers, personal assistants, and anyone who helps our kids.
This is for YOU!
Here's a hug for You.
You get a hug for starting all over every single day.
You get a hug for remaining calm after someone in the grocery store gave you a dirty look when your son grabbed some grapes and started eating them.
You get a hug for working with my son when he wasn't easy to work with.
You get a hug for changing my daughter's pull-up over and over again, day after day.
You get a hug for acknowledging my child even if you felt uncomfortable.
You get a hug for working 2, 3, and 4 jobs to support your family.
You get a hug for going to those crazy IEP meetings where many in the room are talking about your child and they have never even met your child. You get an extra hug for remaining kind with your words, too.
You get a hug for helping your other children try to be patient and understanding when their sister is screaming and you have to leave yet another public place.
You get a hug for calling all the doctors and organizing all the appointments week after week.
You get a hug for pushing your child to do more and more each day.
You get a hug for taking care of your marriage through all of the chaos and stress.
You get a hug for never calling me from school to say come and get your child.
You get a hug for helping my child to communicate.
You get a hug for working with my child on motor activities so now he or she can bike.
You get a hug for accepting my child in your church and not turning us away.
You get a hug for making prom possible for everyone. (Thank you Tim Tebow!)
You get a hug for sharing your true stories and being vulnerable to those who want to judge you.
You get a hug for raising your child without your spouse, who passed away.
You get a hug for including my child in your activities even when you were afraid.
You get a hug for helping your child through his or her scary meltdowns and aggressions.
You get a hug because you are not sure where the money will come from to care for your family.
You get a hug because I see you in the closet or in the shower all by yourself crying. I see you. It will be okay.
You get a hug because you are amazing and have a heart as big as gold.
You get a hug because you are so overwhelmed right now and feel so alone.
You get a hug for your commitment and love you share every single day.
You get a hug for buying manipulatives and all kinds of things to try and help my child.
You get a hug for never giving up.
You get a hug because you feel no one understands the tremendous stress you and your family are under.
You get a hug because you stayed and didn't leave.
You get a hug because you show encouragement no matter how grumpy your child can be.
You are loved.
I know you are tired.
I know you may feel weary and you just can't give anymore.
Well guess what?
You can't, but He can.
The Lord can help lift the weight.
The Lord can help give you rest.
The Lord can provide all your needs—not wants, but needs.
The Lord can help give you peace.
The Lord can carry any burden you have.
Let Him take care of it all for you.
Here's a hug for YOU!
Patty Myers is the Director of Building Pathways.
