My heart aches for a little girl I saw earlier today.

I was running some errands and stopped in a local store.  I heard a disturbance an aisle over and quickly pushed my cart around the corner to investigate.  A father, obviously frustrated with his elementary-aged daughter, raised his voice and cussed her…right in front of about ten other customers in the store.

Cussed her out.  On Labor Day.

She was trying to decide which backpack she wanted and couldn’t make up her mind.  She couldn’t have been more than six years old.

He was obviously frustrated with her. And he let his frustration get the best of him…on Labor Day.

We’ve all been there.  The stresses of life can overwhelm us.  Work, family strife, illness, financial strain…the pressures surrounding us are great.  Who knows what this father was facing in his private life?  And who knows what sort of emotional toll his outburst had on his young daughter.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Matthew 11:28

Jesus wants to be our comfort in life.  He invites us to give our troubles to Him.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  1 Peter 5:7

Tonight I will pray for that father.  I pray that he can find some peace in his life.  I will also pray for that small child- and that she feels some comfort in her home tonight.

Please pray for me to be a better husband and father- and that I can tap into the peace and comfort that Jesus grants so freely.

And let me know how I can pray for you.

God bless you.