Finding Purpose After the Nest is Empty
Becoming an empty nester presents many unexpected challenges, especially when we are used to having a home bustling with children. For years, our calendar was marked with school projects, sporting events, youth groups, and family meals around the table. Now we have an abundance of free time, and we want to steward it well.
You may be wondering what comes next. You may be questioning how to fill your time. And you may be a little nervous, worried about missing the children you have dedicated so much of your time and energy to caring for.
Whether they moved on to college, marriage, or to their own dwelling, it’s hard to miss the sounds of a full house. I understand how hard the empty nest stage of motherhood can be. It comes all too soon! Hannah, of the Bible, wanted a son so badly that in 1 Samuel 1:11, she vowed to “give him to the Lord all the days of his life.” And because she kept her promise, her Samuel had to move to another city. She had to love him across many miles.
And while that love for our children will never go away, consider that now may be the perfect time to open your heart to those outside your family. What a perfect opportunity to minister to and encourage others. It will also bless you to create new, meaningful relationships. Take some time to pray about these questions:
How does God want to me to use my free time for His Kingdom?
What opportunities are open to me now?
How can my giftings be best used to bless others?
Listen for the Lord to lead you. Be persistent and prayerful. And keep your heart open to new ideas, places, and people that you may have never considered before.
It might be discipling another woman in the faith. Taking meals to families in need. Hosting a small group in your home. Volunteering at your favorite non-profit. Sitting with patients during chemotherapy. Speaking to mom groups at church. This new free time is yours to manage. Make it count.
A Filled Heart
Encouraging others requires a heart filled with sensitivity to their needs. If your heart is filled with concern for God’s people, you’ll be privileged to refresh and encourage many. Your time with God will make a difference in their life and they will experience His love through your effort.
Proverbs 12:25 says a kind word cheers you up. Have you seen that in your own life experience? Everyone benefits from kindness. What a sweet gift to give others!
Where do we gather this kindness from? How can we be assured to have a full tank to spend on others? We glean kindness by sitting at Jesus’ feet and studying the Word. It’s time well spent as we purpose to encourage and minister to others. Time with God will fill you with His Spirit, which will naturally overflow to others.
Family Forever
And remember to include your family in this ministry of encouragement. Even though our kids aren’t under our watchful eye, they can still be covered by our prayers. They will need our continued kindness and attention no matter how many miles separate us!
What can you do today to minister to people near and far? As a loving, praying woman after God’s own heart, reach out to someone today with your prayers and your love. It’ll fill their hearts … and yours!
RESPOND:
God, help me take advantage of every opportunity to tell, write, and share with my children how much I love them. Help me remember to continue encouraging them from afar. And guide me as I look for new opportunities to use my free time to minister to and show kindness towards others. I want my life to always be about serving you and blessing those around me. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES:
A Woman After God’s Own Heart
A Mom After God’s Own Heart
REFLECT:
What can I do to best prepare to be a blessing of encouragement to others?
REMEMBER:
If your heart is filled with concern for God’s people, you’ll be privileged to refresh and encourage many.
Even though our kids aren’t under our watchful eye, they can still be covered by our prayers.
