THE GOOD LIFE, AND RANDOM THOUGHTS ON THE EMPTY NEST

I am not sure where I got the idea that the empty nest would be a season filled with 

hours of leisure, 

schedules that were perfectly organzied with no interruptions 

and more time than I needed to nurture friendships,

advance my interests and organize all the parts of life that were pushed to the back burner and remained slightly unorganized thru the wonderful years of teenage drivers, high school sports and graduations, college acceptance letters and marriage proposals and weddings.   

Me and Rick, reflecting on life, in Anchorage, Alaska

I would propose the empty nest is more of a process than a one time event.  It signifies one job completed, but so many more new ones beginning, one chapter written, yet so many more chapters to write upon.   

The moments of "mourning the loss of life as we've known it for so long" and creating new normals as a couple have been real and existent.  But really, for us, it's been more of a shift than a loss.   Putting 18 years into making each of our children a "whole person" has been both exhausting and incredibly gratifying.  Along with the calling of being Godly parents and building a happy, healthy home, comes the grace and wisdom to embrace every season with open arms (even if that means an occassional prying open at times). 

Its an opportunity for us to lay hold of and walk in the promises that we've spent so many years investing in and believing for.  

"Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed."                        Psalm 112:1-2 

"Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life.  Never let loyalty and kindness get  away from you!  Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart.  Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation."  Proverbs 3:1-4  

Sarah and Me -- out to lunch for her 23rd birthday

Matt- Junior year at Grove City College 

As parents we never stop being a sounding board, we offer wisdom for decisions when asked, we never stop praying them thru and cheering them on.  Becoming great friends and watching our children enter adulthood with good reputation, holding fast to loyalty and kindness, seeing God's favor being poured out,  

It is something to be celebrated and never ever taken for granted!

I am however, still waiting to celebrate that idea of a perfectly organized schedule with no interruptions (wherever it came from) OR enough hours in a day to accomplish all the friendship, interests and leisure time that awaits.  Until then, I press on...... 

KNOWING AND GIVING THANKS FOR LIVING THE GOOD LIFE...
 IN THE EMPTY NEST. 

CRYSTAL