Thank you for this reminder, and I hope it will encourage all of us to be more concerned for those who care for an aging parent, a sick child, or other loved one. They bear a heavy burden (often without help) and deserve our concern and prayers.

They also deserve our respect, because they’ve often sacrificed much to help someone who is unable to take care of themselves. They don’t do it for praise; some may even look down on them. But God doesn’t look down on them, and every act of love done in Christ’s name is a reflection of His love for us.

But caregivers also deserve our help, in any way we can give it. Perhaps some who are reading this know of a caregiver in their neighborhood who would welcome even a few hours of relief. Churches also could develop programs to help those who are helpers. The Bible says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

May you have a special sense of God’s presence and strength as you care for your mother. And when you grow weary, or you wonder if what you’re doing is really worth it, pause to thank God for His love and concern for you and your mother. Remember too that you’re setting an example for your children. Jesus said, “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12).