Pastor Dwane continues his series on how to enjoy God’s full blessings in the second half of life. Empty Nest, Full Life Part 7: Sandwiches and Seesaws Caring for your young adult children while also looking out for your aging parents can feel like you are on an emotional seesaw. Pastor Dwane shares some wisdom from God’s word about how to navigate this challenging part of life. Worship with the Grace Church Worship Team. Sermon Notes: Empty Nest Full Life Part 7: Sandwiches and Seesaws Intergenerational Stress. You become members of the “sandwich generation.” Honoring your parents, even if they drive you crazy. Exodus 20:12, Mark 7:10-13, Acts 2:45, 1 Timothy 5:3,4 Sanity & Boundaries: Why we have trouble with boundaries with our parents: Wrong view of boundaries. Rest isn’t laziness, Saying NO isn’t disrespectful, asking for help isn’t weak, and having boundaries isn’t selfish. Psalms 4:23 Boundaries and honor. You are honoring your parents when you live in such a way as you would wish them to behave. Mixed up priorities. Genesis 2:24: Priority is our spouse. Not right to care for our kids or our parents at the expense of our own marriage. We make emotional choices. Too close to the situation to look at things objectively – reactive instead of proactive. When is it time to establish boundaries? Do people/your parents take advantage of you? Do you have trouble saying no? Do you often feel guilty? Do you feel as if you have no control over your life? Do you try to have too much control over your life? Why do we need boundaries? Boundaries are biblical- Let your yes be yes, no be no. Boundaries avoid burnout- Excessive unmanaged stress leads to burnout. Typical Problems Relating to Elderly Parents -Lack of trust. -Lack of adult status. -Denial. -Excessive demands and manipulation. How To Build Your Boundaries And Regain Your Sanity: S: Stop your own negative behaviour. A: Assemble a support group. N: Nip excuses in the bud. I: Implement rules and boundaries. T: Trust your Instincts. Y: Yield everything to God. How To Use Your Boundaries to Stop the Insanity -Deal With False Guilt. -Don’t Feel Responsible Over What You Cannot Control. -Get Advice From Others. -Our Needs/ Their Needs Exercise -Look For The Positive -Do Something Special/ DO Something They Want To Do. -Get A Life. Each generation, from adolescent to elderly, wants the same things: Which of these needs can you provide for your parents?