Holely Heart, An Empty Nest and an Empty Heart

When the laundry basket isn’t overflowing and the house is quieter, it’s not just an empty nest—it can feel like an empty heart. This transition period can be challenging for many of us, as we grapple with the new silence and space that fills our homes. For years, our identities were intertwined with the hustle and bustle of raising children. Now, with the kids gone, we might find ourselves struggling to navigate this new phase of life.

I can remember crying myself to sleep many nights when my girls were no longer under my roof every night.  I kept thinking this is crazy, I know better, people will think I’ve lost my mind, what am I going to do now.  The house was quiet, the rooms were clean, I had more time on my heads but my heart, it had holes and nothing to fill either, at least that’s how I felt.  The truth is I knew what scripture said about our children and I believed it but knowing it wasn’t working for me.  This was until I realized, which took me a long time, that, empty hands, and a holely heart are the devil’s playground in wasted-life-land. And I wanted NO part of Satan or the wasteland.  

So, you are not alone friend.  The feelings of loss and confusion are natural, but I want you to know that there is hope. This is a time to get to know yourself, to find out who you are beyond being a parent. It's a season of self-examination, one that can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and true enjoyment during this next chapter.

"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing,” such a beautiful image offered to us in Zephaniah 3:17.  This scripture reminds us that even in the quietness, God is present and rejoices over us. The stillness of an empty nest is not something to fear but to welcome. It is in this stillness that we can feel God's love more profoundly and understand His delight in us.

The noise and chaos of raising children often drown out our inner voices and the whispers of the Holy Spirit. Now, in the quiet, we have the opportunity to listen, to reflect, and to grow. This is a time to be still and to know that God is with us, guiding us every step of the way through this new chapter.

And for that wasteland, Isaiah 43:19 says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." This verse speaks to the new beginnings and the unexpected paths that God creates for us. When we feel like our hearts are empty and our reason for existence is lost, we can trust that God is making a way for us, even in the most barren seasons.

Raising children is an all-consuming task that can sometimes leave us feeling like we’ve lost our identity. Remember, I didn’t just feel this way I actually tossed mine out in the diaper season, two times, ten years apart.  Our days were filled with taking care of others, leaving little time for self-care and personal growth. Now, with the kids gone, there’s a void that can feel overwhelming. But remember, this is an opportunity for us to rediscover who we truly are and what we are passionate about.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This verse encourages us to see ourselves as God’s masterpiece, with a purpose that extends far beyond our roles as parents. He has good works prepared for us that are fulfilling and meaningful.

This period of transition is not the end but a new beginning.   We can take up hobbies we once loved, learn new skills, and even take a leap of faith on a new career path. The possibilities are endless when we open ourselves up to God’s plan for us.

As you navigate the empty nest season, remember that this is a time for rediscovery and renewal. Embrace the silence, trust in God’s plan, and take proactive steps to invest in deepening your faith and in yourself. You are not alone on this journey. Reach out for support, and let’s walk this path together, finding new meaning and joy in the chapters ahead.  Remember the best is yet to come!