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| We will rejoice and be glad. Psalm 118:24 ~ photo courtesy of Google images |
One midlife malady I never reckoned with has come to call. It was a long time coming. I’d heard stories about its insidious ways over the years from friends suffering from it. But since I have six children, with a span of almost 17 years between the first sons (twins) and the last child, my home was full and busy. An “empty nest” was nowhere on my radar. Then, the sneaky intruder moved in a few weeks ago when my youngest child, Robbie, left for college.
At first I didn’t recognize it, calling it simply one
of those transitions I’ve written about recently. I’d heard you need to call these things by
their common name in order to effectively deal with it. Okay, then. Hello, Mr. Empty Nest.
I’m really okay with that. I have enjoyed being the mother
of all my wonderful children and I treasure those growing up years. It’s only appropriate that the children should
grow up and leave the nest. God has blessed us.
But, when I have a momentary lapse into sadness, I
remember Ezra’s words that comforted the children of Israel. God’s people had returned
to Jerusalem from Babylon. The city lay in ruin and they were in despair. (See
Nehemiah 8:1-12)
Do
not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b
To be fair, I’ve tried to be hospitable to my uninvited
guest and attend with patience and understanding. It’s caused me to think, a
lot, and have lots of conversations with God my Father. It’s at time like these that I praise God for His
promises and I remember who I am as a child of the King.
For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5
I'm pleased to report, my youngest son has already come home for visits. When
there is no big football game, Lord willing, he’ll come again. I will make his favorite
meals, give him my full attention, and see for myself that he is learning to
fly.
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| Robbie looking at Gabriel's eggs at our family's Easter Egg Hunt, 2014. |
Thanks friends for spending some time with me today. You are a blessing.
Now, to announce the winner of Carol Stratton's entertaining debut novel, Lake Surrender. Thanks so much to all of you who visited and commented on last week's interview. Congratulations goes to Pamela Harrison whose name was chosen in the random drawing.
I remember this "uninvited" guest coming to my home as well. After a brief visit, (sadness showed up too) I decided to turn it into a celebration. A celebration of completing a task, looking forward to the next chapter with my beloved husband. What a journey it has been!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dena for sharing. I think you had a wonderful attitude. On to the next chapter. Every day is a day to rejoice.
ReplyDeleteDid I mention we changed the locks on the doors as well? I think that was Carol's suggestion. Haha! Just kidding.
ReplyDeleteI would never change the locks on the door so my children wouldn't be able to unlock the door, I'd just move. ha ha
DeleteI am going through the same thing Rose! It is hard to see our kids move away but that is part of growing up. I try to remember that our children belong to God and they are just on loan to us. Our job is to love them, support them, and prepare them for whatever purpose God has in store for their lives! It's tough though on us parents! My daughter's college is only two hours away, so we see her quite often. Our son is in Oklahoma, so we will see him at Christmas! Can't wait until then! Love your blog! Eileen
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited about winning Carol Stratton's debut novel. I can't wait to read Lake Surrender. I've been an Empty Nester for a long time. It's hard at first, but you fill your time doing different things than you did before. One of my favorite "filling time" things is reading a good book. Thank you, Rose and Carol, for giving me the opportunity to do that!
ReplyDeleteEileen, dear friend, prayers for you and yours as well. You are so right about our children being on loan to us in the first place. We've already been so blessed by the privilege of raising them. I am excited about what God's has planned for all of us. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Pam. Thanks for your encouragement for our writing and for sharing your filling time strategy. Blessings.
ReplyDelete