Life in the Sandwich Generation: When You’re the Turkey Holding It All Together

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” — Proverbs 31:25

Welcome to the Sandwich

I’ve officially discovered my place in the food chain: I am the turkey in the sandwich.

On one side is my teenage daughter (thick slice of bread — sturdy and strong). On the other side is my mom (the other slice — soft in some places, firm in others, holding decades of wisdom). And then there’s my husband, the sauce — the spice and glue that makes this sandwich flavorful, and sometimes messy, but definitely better.

It sounds delicious, right? Except when you’re the turkey, it can feel like you're getting squeezed between the bread.

The Blessing and the Pressing

Let me pause and say: caring for a parent is a blessing. Truly. Not everyone gets that chance, and I don’t take it for granted. But it can be challenging. At the same time I’m caring for her needs, I’m raising a teenager, supporting a marriage, managing a household, working, serving — basically doing all the things. And somewhere in that sandwich, I forget to take a bite for myself.

Have you been there too? That place where you’re caring for everyone else, and by the end of the day, the only thing you’ve managed for yourself is reheating cold coffee?

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3 Things Helping Me in This Season

1. Scripture Meets Real Life

When I start to feel stretched thin, I hold onto scriptures like these:

• "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

• “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

These verses remind me that I don’t have to hold this sandwich together on my own. God is the real plate underneath, supporting every layer.

2. Small Slices of Self-Care

I used to think “self-care” had to be spa days and long weekends away. Now? It looks like 15 quiet minutes in the car before I walk inside. A cup of tea in the morning before the house wakes up. Tiny slices of peace in the sandwich.

3. Leaning on God (and My Sauce)

Prayer has become my anchor — short breath prayers in the middle of the day like, “Lord, give me patience” or “God, please multiply my energy.” And my husband — the sauce — adds the humor and support that keeps things from drying out.

A Word of Encouragement

Friend, if you’re the turkey too, I see you. It’s not easy holding all the layers together. But remember: your worth is not in how perfectly you manage it all. Your strength is not your own — it’s a gift from God.

So take a deep breath. Carve out a little slice of time for yourself. And trust that even in this sandwich season, God is nourishing you too.

A Simple PrayerLord, thank You for the blessing of caring for the people I love. In the moments I feel stretched thin, remind me that Your grace is enough and that You are the one holding it all together. Help me laugh, rest, and find joy in this season. Amen.

Are you part of the sandwich generation too? What’s your “funny turkey moment”? Share it in the comments — we could all use a laugh and some encouragement.