Tuesday, November 19, 2013

An Empty Nest



My mind is flooded with memories. Two little girls playing "make believe" with their Barbies and Lego, telling jokes around the supper table, climbing up into the "tree house" in the backyard. Sleepovers, play dates, family vacations, church events, school events, music lessons, dance, the arts. Even the teen years, which entailed some very real challenges, still evoke some wonderful memories: our house full of friends, never knowing how many we would have for dinner, or who we might find sleeping on the couch when we woke up the next day!  

These memories fade into an even sweeter present.  I  now see my girls, having met the challenges of the teens, grown into women, still learning, but well on the road to maturity. Although they will always be my babies, they are also my friends.

And now, as of 21 days ago, my husband and I are empty nesters. Our oldest daughter has been away from home for a number of years, but now the "baby" of the family has flown the nest!

I admit to mixed emotions.

The house is definitely emptier, and that is a strange feeling. It does make me sad, in a way. As a "stay-at-home" Mom, I could say that my lifework has walked out the door! Yet, I also feel a sense of satisfaction. The work of raising my girls (although done long before our youngest left) is  complete. And so the door closes gently. 

We are now in a new stage of life. An ending has occurred, but a beginning takes its place. I  firmly believe in enjoying every stage of life, and so I am happy and excited to be starting anew. For every  stage brings new opportunities and new experiences. This is true for my youngest, out on her own for the first time, but it is also true for me, and for my husband, and for our home. I do not know what awaits us during this new stage, but I know the One who holds us in His Hands, and so I wait and prepare and plan, thankful for this new adventure! I intend on taking hold of it firmly with both hands!