Tag: empty nest

By: Betty Predmore

My daughter will be graduating from high school in about a week, and will be going off to college and starting her new adult life. This is the last of my biological children to leave home. The thought occurred to me the other day, “Wow, you could be on your way to having an empty nest.” It is true. I could be looking at a life with no children in the home. My husband and I could be free to travel and go out for romantic dinners. I could focus on some goals in life and put some real effort into them. Things could be a lot quieter around my house.

There is just one thing…actually, three things….that keep this from being the next phase of my life. Those three things are the three beautiful blessings the Lord brought to our family through adoption. And with the youngest being only in first grade, it will be a long time before I have to worry about an empty nest.

So what does that mean for me? It means I still get to travel because I have a wonderful network of support. My husband and I still get to have romantic dinners because the kids think it is too funny when mommy and daddy go out on dates. I can focus on my goals because there is always room for dreams in life, and if God wants something for you, He will help you find a way to make it happen. As for the “quieter around the house” aspect…well who really needs quiet anyways? I would much prefer the sound of children’s laughter, sweet conversations about life and Jesus, and even the moments when voices are elevated.

No, my nest may never be empty, but it is always filled with love. My nest may be chaotic at times, but it is mine. It my be frustrating on occasion, but it is built with the foundation of Christ, and He is using it for His good and pleasing purpose. My nest may be much different than yours, but it is the nest that God gave me, and my God doesn’t make mistakes!

So while many my age are basking in the nests of freedom and solace, I will be basking in the sticky kisses, bear hugs, and chaotic bliss of my sweet nest, and praising God all the while.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. ~ James 1:17