Emptying And Filling My Nest

Emptying and Filling My Nest

Van Walton

This spring, I watched two cardinals build a nest, nurture their eggs, and feed their young. Then one day, with an encouraging chirp, the mom and dad nudged their three tiny offspring out of the only home they’d ever known. Their empty nest brought pain to my heart as I reflected on the emptiness of my own home.

Memories of times gone by brought extreme sadness. With my children grown and gone, I felt an acute loss of purpose that often led to tears. The silence in the house felt like a crushing weight.

Now what?

I thought I could just get over it, ignore it, or talk myself back to life as usual. I could not. Eventually, I sought the help of a counselor to address my paralyzing empty-nest sadness.

My counselor asked about my passions and joys. “Your dreams have all come true. Your sons graduated, left home, and are living the independent lives you prepared them for.” He also reminded me that I hadn’t changed. I still had the same talents and gifts I’d used in raising my kids, but now I could focus them in a new direction. I realized I had a choice: I could concentrate on my perceived losses, or I could center my attention on God’s purpose for this new season in my life. The words of Ecclesiastes offered me new hope: “There’s a right time for everything on the earth … a right time to hold on and another to let go” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6 MSG).

I felt God’s affirmation that I had been a good mother: “Well done … You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities” (Matthew 25:23 NLT).

And I sensed God’s encouragement to step out and use what I’d learned as a mother to help others: “She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy … Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:20, 25–26 NASB).

As mothers, we move through different seasons of life. Even when our children are grown, there are always people who need our love and talents. The invitation of each new season is to ask God to show us the next step in His plan for our lives.

Dear Lord, please guide me to new opportunities. Remind me to celebrate the past and smile at the future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

Choose to look forward, not backward.

REFLECT

How has focusing on what you miss from days gone by hurt you and others?

RESPOND

Research nonprofit organizations in your community where you can give of yourself to others. Make a phone call and set up a time for a get-acquainted visit. You may find your passion being ignited the minute you walk through the doors.

POWER VERSES

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 3–4; Psalm 138:8