I belong to the “sandwich generation.” My parents need my care and my child needs help. I am being eaten alive between two needy generations. They each expect, require, and dictate my time, energy, and money. Both ends of this continuum—the silver-haired and the spiked, purple-haired—act out their emotions in orneriness. Their stubborn refusals to cooperate with me make me want to pull my hair out.
My parents need to reside in a long-term health care facility. “No, we won’t go. You can help us. We took care of you for years.” Oh no.
My child refuses to get an education or a job. “I don’t want to. You can’t make me. I don’t need your advice.” Yikes!
I examine my limited options. I need wisdom to deal with this type of bologna. I seek my Lord. I ask for wisdom.
I discover my parents have a long-term healthcare policy. It will pay a part-time medical assistant to help with their care. I find a community service that offers free taxi service for my parents’ appointments. Hallelujah!
Now, I must attend to my child’s needs. I pray for understanding. I pray that the bottom of my generational sandwich will begin to mature, begin to understand that the Holy One provides long-term healthcare of every type.
With optimism, I head for the kitchen. I grab the grape jelly (which matches my child’s dyed hair color) and proceed to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich—my child’s favorite. Maybe its sweetness will overcome the orneriness.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.”—Proverbs 9:10–11
Holy One, teach __________ come to the knowledge and understanding of You. In addition, Lord, add years to _’s life. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
Susanne Scheppmann
Intentional Faith 