For everything there is a season … A right time to hold on and another to let go …” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6)
I sit here reminiscing on each chapter of being a mom, from the moment I found out I was pregnant to the moment I first became a grandma. I am always revisiting old journals and reflecting on memories. Seeing my children prepare to send their little ones to pre-school conjures up many emotions. When my baby girl went to kindergarten it was extremely hard for me. When I saw my oldest go off to college, I thought my heart would never stop aching; then watching my children become a bride & groom and my kissing them goodbye as they drove off after saying” I Do,” was another new feeling altogether. The transitions brought on by life have not been easy for me. I love being a mom, mother-in-love and grandma, however this chapter is one that I’m yet learning to navigate. I desire to do things now that I couldn’t do when my children were younger because that was a time of endless sacrifices. I want to be selfish and indulge in nearly everything I always wanted and longed to do. Yet, somewhere in the forefront of my heart is the persistent thought, “What can I do help my adult children?”
While looking back, sometimes I long for the past (so I can go back and correct some things) but at the same time I wonder what my next chapter really looks like. I’ve asked God to point me towards my new purpose and in that process, I began to write my vision. I didn’t even think about how I was going to do it but instead how GOD was going to do it because my list of hopes is beyond what I can even imagine doing.
I recently started mentoring a young lady I met about a month ago. When she asked me to guide her spiritually, I was humbled by her request and excited to assist. As I disciple her, God reminds me that I have life experiences which all point toward my purpose. While I often wish my experiences could be used to bring in an income, God reminds me that what I’m doing now will bring in a dividend that far outweighs earthly currency.
I want to encourage myself as well as others who may be battling with having an empty nest, or knowing your purpose at this time: life is full of seasons.
“For everything there is a season … A right time to hold on and another to let go …” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-6)
“Well done … You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities.” (Matthew 25:23)
My 33 years of marriage and 31 years of being a mom have prepared me to step out and use what I’ve learned to help others along their journey. We all navigate through different phases of life. Try not to forget that there are others besides our children who need our love and talents as we ask God to show us the next step in His plan for our lives. Look to serve others. Be a blessing to someone by offering the gift of your time.
“She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy. Strength and dignity are her clothing. She smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom. The teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” (Proverbs 31:20, 25-26)
1 thought on “Growing Pains”
Well stated. The young lady’s life will truly be enriched with your involvement in it. God has definitely prepared you for ‘such a time as this’ in your life. Be Blessed and continue to let God guide you.
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