Some call midlife the “sandwich season” because people in this age group are parenting young adult children while caring for aging parents. Today we are discussing how to care well for our parents as they age, and the opportunity we have to become more Christ-like in the process.

Jane Daly, author of The Caregiving Season, is joining us to talk about her own experience caring for both of her parents. We explore the difference between “parenting” and “coaching” our parents. We also discuss how to take away car keys, what happens if their mind fails before their body, what information we need to have on file in case of a death or injury, and how to divide up caregiving duties between siblings.

If you are nearing a caregiving season, or are in one right now, this episode will be a source of encouragement, help, and inspiration.

Find our podcast on Itunes here – be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

You can find Jane at her website

Some Things You Heard On The Show

The Caregiving Season by Jane Daly

The Crosswalk prayer for a Parent

Father God… I pray for PROTECTION.

I pray my parent will keep on leaning on You, the Rock of strength and righteousness ( Psalm 71:3a; 73:26; 92:12-15). Spread your protection over my parent, because You are the ultimate Refuge ( Psalm 5:11; 46:1).

I ask you to protect my parent from the evil one, and show the way out in moments of temptation (2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Corinthians 10:13). May wisdom, discretion and understanding protect and guide every day (Proverbs 4:6; 2:11; 138:7).

I pray my parent will be courageous, confident in Your presence, help and deliverance ( Psalm 121:1-8; Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 34:19; Psalm 91).

I pray for PROVISION—that you will meet my loved one’s needs.

Show me how to meet my parent’s needs in ways that will please You, Lord. Equip me to be a good steward in my loved one’s care (1 Timothy 4:5; 5:1-2).

There is much I can do, but You are the Great Provider. Thank you for your willingness to supply my parent’s needs for Your glory and my loved one’s joy (Romans 8:32; Matthew 6:31-32; 7:11; Philippians 4:19; John 14:13-14; 16:23-24). I pray my parent will be made holy through Your grace and receive Your good favor (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Psalm 84:11).

I pray for continuing PURPOSE.

I ask you to help my parent flourish with an eternal perspective ( Psalm 92:12-15). Work in my loved one’s life for Your glory (2 Corinthians 4:16). Open appropriate opportunities for ministry and influence.

Help my parent live as a holy and faithful role model, Father, for as long as you allow (Titus 2:2-5). I pray my parent, from a wealth of experience, will share important life lessons You still want me to learn.

Father, I thank you for Jesus, who makes possible our God-honoring transition from this world to everlasting glory. As I pray these things for my parent, I pray them for myself as well. I pray we all will someday hear Your “well done.” Amen!

Faithful Counseling

We believe the goal of therapy is to increase both psychological and spiritual wholeness, and this can only be accomplished in an appropriate environment.

We have also seen proven success in the affordability and convenience of online mental counseling. By bringing together a network of professional counselors who are practicing Christians online, we see unprecedented opportunity to help believers access the help they need, when and how they can best receive it.

Sign up for Faithful Counseling HERE.