"Write this down for the next generation so people not yet born will praise God." Psalm 102:18

"Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell the others." Habakkuk 2:2

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Journeys of the Empty Nest - Part One

He shielded him and cared for him;
    he guarded him as the apple of his eye,
like an eagle that stirs up its nest
    and hovers over its young,
that spreads its wings to catch them
    and carries them aloft.
The Lord alone led him.

Deuteronomy 32:10b-12a

It's been over two weeks since my son left for boot camp with the United States Navy, making myself and my husband officially empty nesters. The time up until the past day or so has been pretty full. I attended a writing conference and returned home to a flurry of activities that kept me busy each day, so much so that I hadn't had a whole lot of time to think beyond just that day's activities.

Now as things begin to calm down and I try and get used to a quiet house during the day, I find myself thinking about this next stage in my life. I know that God has great things in store for this era, even though I don't have a full idea what or how it will look like yet. Writing full time will definitely be a part of this new stage, but I can't help but feel God is prompting me to something else too. I have no clue what that is just yet, but I trust Him to reveal it when the time is right.

I just got back from a short walk around my neighborhood on this beautiful Fall day. I prayed as I enjoyed the splendor all around me. I prayed for wisdom and direction as I enter this whole new world of having an empty nest. After 22 years of stay at home mothering and homeschooling, I find myself a bit unsettled. As I sought the Lord, I felt Him prompting me to seek Him for just one goal to accomplish each day and to do it with all my heart. I'd love for Him to show me the big picture and have it all set before me to see, but for now He is asking me each day to look to Him for that 'one thing' He has for me to do.

What is He asking you to do?