Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 17, 2019
Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest. Proverbs 14:4
How do you feel since your home has emptied of children? Mad, sad, glad, lonely, without purpose, or freed up, may all be legitimate emotions you are processing. You have raised them well, and now they are on their own. You are proud of them, but you miss them. They call from college (especially daughters), but it is not the same. It is not easy to export your babies into adulthood; however, this is their faith walk to really know God.
We raise them the best we know how with love, discipline, and belief in Jesus Christ. Sometimes they frustrate us by not cleaning their crib (room). Like an animal in a barn, they can be messy and smelly. There are days you want a little peace and quiet because they are angry and loud when fighting with their siblings. But the empty nest is void of noise. The kids are nowhere to be found; so enjoy them while you can.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, NKJV).
You send them off to grow up and gain a heart of gratitude. By God’s grace they will visit with a new sense of appreciation and maturity. Distance causes friendship with your adult child to grow, not be taken for granted. It is harder to keep up and communicate, but in some ways it is more gratifying. You prepared them to leave so they can cleave to the one the Lord has for them in marriage. Our empty nest is a test of trust in God’s plan.
Engage with your spouse in your empty nest. Do you feel like you have drifted apart over the years? If so, be intentional to regain the intense intimacy with your best friend. Make these days of marriage your best; believe the Lord has given you your lover to grow old together. Anticipate the gift of grandkids, as they will keep you busy and lively. The empty nest is a season to enjoy the fruit of your family.
“A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22).
Prayer
Lord, how can I best use the season of life I am in for Your kingdom purposes?
Application
Consider a marriage intensive as part of your empty nest preparation.
Related Reading
Genesis 7:1; Proverbs 31:15; Matthew 19:5; Acts 10:2
Taken from Boyd’s 365 day devotional book Seeking Daily the Heart of God v.2
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Our empty nest is a test of trust in God’s plan for us and our children. #emptynest
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