Father, when we hear or read stories about outstanding parents like Barb the first thought that fills our mind is, “I could never do that.” That’s because we are not equipped to do that which You have not called us to do. And yet we are all called to bear one another’s burdens, so we pray for these special caregivers, reach out to them in love, and assist them in matters that helps lighten their physical, financial and emotional burdens. The Psalmist wrote that “God sets the lonely in families.” We thank You for the family unit where we look out for one other, serve each other in love, and provide as best we can for each other’s needs. Bless those who bear a heavy load, whose everyday life, is not the average life. At times these special caregivers deal with feelings of loneliness, being ostracized from public settings or other people’s homes, even churches, where their children just won’t fit in due to their particular issues. Watching other average families raise independent, achieving children can stir up feelings of envy and self-pity, that life just isn’t fair. Show them how to live in the perspective of the eternal, raising their sights above the here and now to the glorious heavens where no sickness or impairment will enter. The troubles we’re given on this earth is achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Help our dear friends never to give up in despair nor to give out in exhaustion. Instead help them to stand strong in the power of Your might. In the loving name of Jesus we pray. Amen.