The “sandwich generation” describes the demographic of adults who care for their children and parents at the same time, sometimes in the same household. Their previously held expectation of raising a family and then being free to focus on themselves gives way to arranging after-school care alongside adult day care. One common refrain of this community is, “I didn’t imagine I’d find myself in this situation.” 

Our scripture lesson belongs to the “love chapter.” Its poetic description of love is inspirational and challenging. A love that can accommodate things we didn’t sign up for and situations we didn’t anticipate is a love for mature people. Indeed, following the path of love may lead us to places we did not imagine. We cannot follow this path until we let go of our previous expectations. This is not easy work, but there is grace to be had when we entrust our expectations to God, the source of love described in this chapter. God will give us the wisdom to love others without becoming martyrs. God will give us companions for support and grace for the journey to new expectations.