How to Have Peace in the Sandwich Generation

My husband, Scott, and I travel a fair amount for business and ministry. You would think I would be an expert at packing and traveling light. But in reality, I always overpack, especially the bag that I carry onboard. It is stuffed with my computer, books, snacks, pillows, socks, and more. Scott often tells people I don’t board an airplane, I move in. In my defiance I always state, “Well, I also have to carry all the things my service dog, Harper, needs too!”

Normally, he is patient as I refuse to allow him to carry it and yet, struggle to do so with its forty pounds of weight and bulkiness. But after our twenty-four hours of travel to Greece last week for a ministry trip, we had a little battle when I nearly fell. We sat at breakfast as we waited for our room, exhausted and both a little grumpy.

For the first time though I listened to all the reasons he was concerned and received them. The first thing we did when we arrived at our room was take everything out of my bag and determined what needed to be there and what didn’t. I looked at the order of everything and picked up a bag that weighed much less. I felt peace.

My stubbornness had kept me from experiencing the peace of order over something so silly. I realized in the moment that my bag reflected my life. I say yes to more than I should and have an internal aversion to saying no. I hate to let anyone down or do less than what I might have done a year, five years, or even ten years ago. There is part of my psyche that has this sense if I slow down, I might stop. And if I stop, I won’t start again.

Do you relate?

Peace Arrives from Different Places

Spiritual peace arrives through a relationship with the Prince of Peace.

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

When I arrived at the end of myself in my spiritual poverty, I cried out to Jesus Christ for peace. It was what I needed most. He gave it to me in abundance and Peace has been my comforter and the source of my confidence in my simple theology: God is good, and I trust Him.

But peace can be discovered in other aspects of your life. This is especially needed in times of a serious diagnosis, caring for elderly parents, and navigating a child graduating college without a job in sight.

Welcome to the sandwich generation.

Customize Your Self-Care

Finding peace of mind for yourself when caring for others can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But it is crucial for each of us in our journey. While I will be sharing the categories of self-care, you must intentionally focus on what brings you comfort, rest, and peace. Like my personal experience in last week’s blog, you might have to take a detour for a life crisis, or even just a life overstuffed like my bag. In my next post, I will share a starting point strategy.

My starting point began with my husband organizing my bag, and when I return home, I am going to commit to a plan of creating order in other aspects of my life. Peace in Christ comes at the moment of salvation. Peace in life is a journey.

Let’s journey together.

If this resonates with you, and or someone you know, sign up for Living with the End in Mind and we will journey together. If you have a specific question for your circumstance reach out to me on the contact form and begin your message with Dear Dr. Pamela. If I don’t know the answer, I will make every attempt to find the best answer. Let’s find peace in the sandwich generation together!

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7

– Dr. Pamela

Thank you for reading my blog! I’m Dr. Pamela Prince Pyle, a hospitalist specializing in death, grief, and suffering with over thirty years of experience. My upcoming book, “Anticipating Heaven,” is set to release in January 2025 and explores the intersection of faith and medicine in approaching life’s final chapters. If you or a loved one have received a serious diagnosis, I have resources to help you navigate this challenging time. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to share your story. Your journey matters, and I’m here to support you.