Finding Joy in the Empty Nest: Discover Purpose and Passion in the Next Phase of Life

by Jim Burns

When the kids are gone, you can discover a richer, deeper, and more fulfilling life than you ever imagined! Whether you've been looking forward to it or dreading it, the experience of coming home to an empty nest brings with it a well of emotions, realizations, and one gigantic, all-consuming Now what? In Finding Joy in the Empty Nest , Jim Burns combines his personal experiences with his expertise as a family educator to help you navigate your new life as an empty nester and find joy in this new season of life. Rather than offering shallow suggestions of hobbies you should take up, Burns encourages you to actively pursue a fresh start, reinvent yourself, and thrive. Backed by extensive research and filled with interviews with fellow empty nesters, this book equips you with practical advice and timeless principles, teaching you how Amid Burns' wealth of know-how, you'll uncover what may be the most important takeaway of the best is yet to come. Praise for Finding Joy in the Empty Nest : "Jim Burns is smart, witty, grounded, and immeasurably practical. Whether you're getting close to the second half of marriage or are in the thick of it, you won't want to miss out on this fantastic book." --Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, bestselling authors of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2022

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Jim Burns, Ph.D., President of HomeWord is the host of the HomeWord with Jim Burns daily half-hour, daily one-minute, and weekly half-hour radio programs. His passion is communicating to adults and young people practical truths to help them live out their Christian lives.

Jim is the author of many resources including his latest books The Purity Code: God’s Plan for Sex and Your Body, Teaching Your Children Healthy Sexuality and Accept Nothing Less: God’s Best for Your Body, Mind and Heart. In recent years, he has also written Confident Parenting and Creating an Intimate Marriage which are available in audio CDs, books, and small group curriculum kits; The 10 Building Blocks for a Happy Family; Devotions on the Run; and Parenting Teenagers for Positive Results kit. Since 1985, HomeWord has been assisting parents and churches worldwide through radio, resources, seminars, and the web at www.homeword.com. Jim writes monthly columns for Ignite Your Faith magazine and Simply Youth Ministry newsletter and website.

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping this slight book would help me feel significantly less bereft as I find 2/3 of my nest suddenly empty. There are some practical suggestions: declutter, find a new hobby, reconnect with your spouse, grow your friendships...nothing revelatory. There's also quite a few Bible passages and talk about recommitting to your faith (specifically the Christian faith) which, if you're not into this sort of thing, can be slightly off-putting. I feel like there's probably better choices for people who want a more secular read.

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very encouraging book with practical suggestions on how to live your best second half, which is where the author describes most games being won. One of my favorite quotes from the book, "A positive attitude is a daily choice you can make. Your attitude is what will keep your influence from fading."

[Becka · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ I guess I needed to read this book more than I at first realized. While reading, I was at times encouraged, discouraged, convicted, and filled with anticipation or trepidation. Upon finishing the last page, I have come away with much to think about, decisions to make, and a hopeful vision for these empty nest years. I deducted 1/2 a star because at times there is some repetition and the end would have benefited from a concluding paragraph or chapter.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me think about this next season of life in new, positive ways.

[Julie Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was full of good, practical tips on this new season of life.

[Tim W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reminders of what can make a difference in our second half of life.

[Audrey Monke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always feel encouraged after reading Jim Burns’ books. This one is no exception. If you’re entering (or in) the post-kids season of life, Finding Joy in the Empty Nest offers specific strategies for making this a purposeful and connected season. This is a great companion book if you enjoyed Burns’ Doing Life With Your Adult Children.

[Holly Canup · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Most games are won in the second half”. “The second half is an opportunity to look at new situations, fresh environments, and adventures.” Two great quotes from the book to keep in mind. An empty nest is hard and painful at times but it’s the beginning of a new phase of life that can be full of life and joy! This is a great book with practical advice to finishing the second half well.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, providing insights into the “next chapter” of life, after children are raised. A good follow-up to the author’s book “Doing Life with Your Adult Children: Keep the Welcome Mat Out & Your Mouth Shut”

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Burns harnesses years of family counseling in this exploration of Life After Kids. He offers helpful, often evidence-based suggestions for this new phase of life, reminding readers that they still have four more decades to reinvent themselves.

[Leann Mclendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this 6 stars if I could. Wonderful book, scripture and concrete advice for the empty nest. Highly recommend.

[Ginger Hudock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good ideas in this book. Best to be used with the reflective questions at the end.

[Molly Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read some great encouraging ideas

[Beki Bolin Rhein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for new or seasoned empty nesters! Great book for audio option!

[cindy townley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good self help book in the next phase of life after kids grown up. Very practical tips.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just couldn't get in to this one. Felt like it was for someone who just fell off the turnip truck. Nothing new to offer that hasn't been on a talk show or in a magazine article.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great and needed topic for empty nesters. 3 stars as it wasn’t rocket science. Even though it was short read at 163 pages there was a LOT of redundancy that was quite redundantly redundant.

[Barb Hildebrandt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Skip it. Too religious and preachy.

[Joy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Keep busy! That’s what every book about the empty nest says to do. Nothing new.

[elizabeth - dear virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursory overview providing compassion, empathy and starting points for reflection with an approachable Christian lens. Would be good small group discussion prompt book.