When a Mother's Nest is Empty — A Page From My Journal, March 29, 2008

My three little birdies the day my nest was empty.

When the last child leaves, there is definitely an adjustment. The house is quiet, activity stands still,  practical jokes cease (although I don't miss finding dog food in the Flutie Flakes), and three fewer voices break out in laughter making mom laugh too, filling my heart with joy. I loved being the mother to these three sweet and funny clowns. Thank You God for the laughter and fun and for entrusting me with such precious gifts.

Empty nest hurts. 

There is grief and loss. 

The pain of empty nest is much more than the fact that I miss my children. It is the knowledge that I  am releasing my little ones, now grown big, into a world that is harsh. Life is cruel. My babies, my children, my teens I protected so well, are so soon thrown into the hard realities of adulthood. Mom's and Dad's protection will no longer be enough.

When we see — helplessly watch — our grown children go through difficulties because they make the same mistakes we made or because they are standing strong and living a righteous life in an  unrighteous world —  a mother's heart tears apart as she feels the fiercest enemy is delivering fatal blows.

It is then and it is now,

 we must give them back to God — 

again and again. 

Because moms are human, we all fail. We neglect to give them enough responsibility. There wasn't enough time to teach all about finances and marriage and raising children, and how to survive in a world whose goal seems to be their destruction. The heaviness of letting go is too much to carry. The Good News is we don't have to carry that burden because . . . 

We have a God whose nest is never empty. 

He doesn't let them go. 

 Jesus never fails.

 He is the only perfect parent.

 

He carries and cares for our children and 

their children, and

their children.

He watches over them,

protects them,

loves them,

 draws them to Himself

always,

forever. 

Come to Jesus — 

Give our children to Jesus. 

He is our only source of sweet rest,

peace, and

joy.

"Come to me,

all you who are weary and burdened, and

I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because 

He cares for you."

1 Peter 5:7

"Praise be to the Lord,

to God our Savior,

who daily bears our burdens."

Psalm 68:19

Have a blessed Mother's Day!