Christian Devotions - Daily Dose of God's Word - Feeling The 'Empty Nest' Syndrome?

Daily Dose of God's Word
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Barbara's Entourage

Feeling The 'Empty Nest' Syndrome?

Our Thoughts:

So many Moms are having pains from the 'empty nest' syndrome that comes about when children leave the home. A close friend has two sons, an older teenager, and one of young adult hood. Both, are in college. The youngest is near home, but staying in the dorm. The older son has just finished his stint in that college, and is moving away to get his Phd. They both are great Christian boys who have definitely been brought up with the Word, and a strict concept of who Jesus is to them and IN them. I don't think their parents will ever have to fear their going out into the world and sowing any wild seeds. But, leaving home to Mom is like losing a child - it's either cry or laugh - be sad or happy - act like you aren't going to care, when your heart is really breaking. I can understand the feeling, having had two children to grow up and leave home. We all try to give good advice on how to act or 'react' in these trying times, but no two Moms react the same. I got my home back, when my children left. Oh, I missed them, but not enough to wish they were back home. Don't get me wrong; I love my kids AND my grandkids, but I also love having my privacy back and my home as my own.

Clutter is one thing bugging my friend. One son is so wrapped up in school and things he likes, that he forgets that his mess is his own making, and he needs to clean up after himself. Too long, Mom has done this for the boys, and it's hard to break a habit. It's also hard to get a grown man to do what Mom has always done for him. It's almost a losing battle. But, a friend had a good comment to tell this Mom, and I thought it was such a great one, I wanted to share it with you. It goes like this: "but soon the past and present will blend together like colored chalk drawings on a sidewalk during the rain". What an insight to how life really is! It's all about growing, adjusting, and living. It's not all perfect, but all our imperfections, mannerisms, memories and lives will all blend together to make the family life what it should be. This son who is going to college also has a wonderful Dad who sees things like God must have intended us to all see them. He so wisely said: "God has loaned them to us and now it is time to give them back and let them go and develop into what God wants them to be as adults".

Each of us, as parents, have participated in somewhat of the empty nest syndrome - more than others. But, it builds on your faith in your kids. If we have brought them up in the way they should go, then the Bible says that they will not depart from it. I know some go by the way of another path for a time, but I have to believe the Bible is true because GOD said it. That child will be like the prodigal son, and one day, come back to his roots in the Kingdom of God.

So, to you all empty nesters, or soon to be empty nesters - take heart! GOD is out there watching over those children. You continue to pray for them and build a hedge of protection around them that the enemy cannot penetrate. They will grow as they mature more and more, and one day, they will thank you for being the parent you have been. As my own son called one day and said to us, "Mom, I could have been like some of my classmates, on drugs and alcohol, smoking, on the streets, among other things. But, thanks to you and Dad, I know a different life". You don't know how proud you are of your kids, until you hear similar words.

God's Thoughts:

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Our Cup:

Heavenly Father, you know the feelings of these Moms and Dads who are losing children to college, marriage, or perhaps just moving from home. So long, they have been a part of that family gathering, and now they have to face being apart from those children. But, give them peace, that you are watching over those children, and they will be fine. They have been taught right from wrong, and now must be left to live the adult life for which they were trained. Give them comfort through their worries and the pain of adjusting. We give you praise. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

All Scriptures are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.