We carried the last
cardboard box into the college apartment
Hannah shared with three other girls. Working
side-by-side we unpacked, made the bed, and
placed family pictures on the dented old
dresser. Her roommates arrived with more
boxes and bedding. Fighting the August heat,
we managed to carry all the treasures in and
make them fit into the tiny space.
I knew it was time to
go. I sensed that Hannah was ready to dive
into her final year of college life. Too soon
the long road wound home. I cried for the
first hour, I always did. When her sisters
went to college before her, the tears came.
Now she was it, the last one to leave home.
My husband comforted and encouraged me,
telling me we would hear from her soon. And
we did. Often.
“Empty nesters” is a
popular term for parents who have had all
their children move out of the home.
Sometimes as a mom, we lose our sense of self
when there are no children left to care for.
We fuss with that overwhelming feeling that
our children don’t need us anymore.
Eventually, we usually find out that they do
need us. In the mean time we wander about
trying to find a purpose.
God’s plan for a mother does not stop when
her children leave home. This is a great
time to reevaluate where you are. Is there a
hobby you’d like to try, more time with your
spouse, education to pursue, a change in
occupation or just more time to develop your
occupation? How about a new ministry, or a
mission trip? God has plans,
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know
the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
God is not finished with us yet. Many
women throughout the scriptures spent time
outside their home working or helping others.
In Luke 8:2-3 women traveled with Jesus and
helped with his ministry. Acts 16 shows Lydia
inviting Paul and company into her home, "If
you consider me a believer in the Lord," she
said, "come and stay at my house." As my
children left, I prayed about what I could do
with my time. God led me to organize a
ministry to the students in our church who
went away to college. We prepared care
packages, sent letters and kept in touch. The
students loved it. He also led me back to
college, a desire I carried on my heart for
many years. My daughters all finished college
and moved on to their new lives. I have a new
job and many challenges and yes, my girls
still need me. We talk often and get together
as much as time allows. I also enjoy the
added bonus of beautiful grandchildren!
God has plans for you. He has hopes for
your future. Seek his guidance and he will
open your heart to new adventures.
