I knew this day was coming. Somehow, I didn't think it would arrive so soon. It seems like only yesterday, our daughter was learning her vowel sounds and taking her first piano lesson. Today, she's preparing to visit prospective colleges and skillfully playing the piano for her school choir. Where did the time go? How wise we are to pray along with Moses, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psalms 90:12; KJV)
My husband, Steve, and I aren't the first ones to have to come to grips with the looming 'empty nest,' and I'm certain we won't be the last. For seventeen and a half years I've been Riley's Mom, both a privilege and a responsibility. In all honesty, I have to admit that throughout the years, on plenty of occasions, I've been the antithesis of the Proverbs 31 woman. My mouth has spewed out unkind words and my tongue certainly hasn't spoken the 'law of kindness.' (Proverbs 31:26; KJV) What a comfort to know that God is all-powerful and is able to work in spite of our frailties and shortcomings.
Realizing our responsibility as parents, Steve and I have prayed the words of Deuteronomy 6:5 over our daughter since she was an infant, "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (KJV) Our days of modeling this before Riley on a daily basis, are swiftly coming to an end. Because I've had the benefit of being a stay-at-home Mom, once our daughter spreads her wings to leave the so-called 'nest,' my role is going to change dramatically. What then? Will I still have value?
Instead of becoming overly nostalgic, the Lord has challenged me to see things from His perspective. My self-worth is not determined by what I do, but rather by who I am in Christ. How encouraging to see myself in light of Ephesians 1:3-7. The Apostle Paul highlights some glorious characteristics we possess as children of the most high God. We are blessed, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed and forgiven.
Each season of life brings new opportunities. While some doors may be closing, other doors are swinging wide open. Through much prayer and careful discernment, I'm determined to step through the doors God is opening, so that I might fulfill the 'hope of his calling.' (Ephesians 1:18; KJV) I don't want to miss a single thing He has for me. What opportunities is God placing in your life? Will you answer His call today?
My husband, Steve, and I aren't the first ones to have to come to grips with the looming 'empty nest,' and I'm certain we won't be the last. For seventeen and a half years I've been Riley's Mom, both a privilege and a responsibility. In all honesty, I have to admit that throughout the years, on plenty of occasions, I've been the antithesis of the Proverbs 31 woman. My mouth has spewed out unkind words and my tongue certainly hasn't spoken the 'law of kindness.' (Proverbs 31:26; KJV) What a comfort to know that God is all-powerful and is able to work in spite of our frailties and shortcomings.
Realizing our responsibility as parents, Steve and I have prayed the words of Deuteronomy 6:5 over our daughter since she was an infant, "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (KJV) Our days of modeling this before Riley on a daily basis, are swiftly coming to an end. Because I've had the benefit of being a stay-at-home Mom, once our daughter spreads her wings to leave the so-called 'nest,' my role is going to change dramatically. What then? Will I still have value?
Instead of becoming overly nostalgic, the Lord has challenged me to see things from His perspective. My self-worth is not determined by what I do, but rather by who I am in Christ. How encouraging to see myself in light of Ephesians 1:3-7. The Apostle Paul highlights some glorious characteristics we possess as children of the most high God. We are blessed, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed and forgiven.
Each season of life brings new opportunities. While some doors may be closing, other doors are swinging wide open. Through much prayer and careful discernment, I'm determined to step through the doors God is opening, so that I might fulfill the 'hope of his calling.' (Ephesians 1:18; KJV) I don't want to miss a single thing He has for me. What opportunities is God placing in your life? Will you answer His call today?
Hey, Maria!
ReplyDeleteThe great news is that you will ALWAYS be Riley's Mom, no matter what. And even if her physical/geographic proximity changes, y'all can still be really close! It will change your relationship, but it will be so good!
I've never had to go through this. I've always had my Christopher. We've had kids to leave, but it was much easier because of him.
ReplyDeleteBut you're right, you'll always be her mom. No one can take that away. And there will be times in the future when it will only be you that she can talk to. So chin up my pal, this is the beginning of the rest of your life!
God has called me to write and to be Christopher's mom and to work with OCC, which I love. Wonderful post Maria and lovely pic. Thanks for sharing. :)
Maria,
ReplyDeleteI didn't think I'd have trouble with "the empty nest", after all I have a fulfilling career, a good husband, friend, and a church full of people I love.
But . . . it was hard. All three of my kids left within a year of each other. And I missed them so terribly.
But over time my husband and I have adjusted. Presently two of our daughters and four grandchildren live close so we feel very blessed.
Our kids are always our kids.
Blessings,
Bonnie
www.bonnieleon.com