Focus Friday: Let's Focus on Empty Nests

Well, it has finally happened. Our nest is empty. We dropped Dylan off at Northwestern College in Orange City today.

 In the days leading up to this special occasion, we talked and teased at home. 

"Are you going to cry when you drop me off?" he asked more than once. 

"Do you want me to?" I replied with a grin. "I don't think I will, but I can try to muster up a few tears if you want."

I wasn't really sure what would happen, to be honest. I didn't feel like crying at home, but I didn't know if it would hit me all of a sudden when we got to the dorm or after we headed for home.

I haven't shed any tears, but it has been a bittersweet experience. 

The last time we move a child into a college dorm for their freshman year. (We've done it three times before this)

The last time we sit through the new student orientation stuff.

The last time we meet a new roommate.

Dylan and his new roommate, Tanner

It's the last time for us, but I have to keep reminding myself that it's the first time for Dylan. For all of it.

I'm not crying (at least not yet) because I'm excited for all of the things he's going to learn and experience in college.

As I wander around campus, I remember how insecure and shy I was my freshman year. Northwestern played a big part in helping me mature socially, academically, and spiritually.

This week I've been thinking of all of the things I neglected to teach Dylan over the years. So many things! But then I remember that he has Google, and he'll be fine.

When we get back home it may hit me a little harder that all of the kids are gone. Gary and I are still adjusting to a new home, church, and community in Platte, and now we have to adjust to an empty nest as well.

I'm still not crying (at least not yet). We've developed a great relationship over the years and I think it can only get better with a little more time for just the two of us.

I'm praying for Dylan and for us during this time of transition...and I'm also saying a prayer for all the other parents adjusting to empty nests.

It can be a bit scary, but it's supposed to happen. It's what we hopefully want for our kids, the confidence and courage to leave the nest, spread their wings, and fly to new places.

I heard a speaker (I think it was Jill Savage) talk about how "first we hold, and then we fold." First we hold our newborn babies, our young children. Then, when they get old enough to go out on their own, we fold our hands in prayer for them.

I did lots of holding when our four children were young. Now it's time to do lots of folding as I pray often for each of them.

That should give me something useful to do as I get used to the empty nest. 

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6 NIV)

Do you have an empty nest? How can focusing on God help you to adjust well to this big transition?

                                                                                                                                                                 

It's much easier to leave Dylan at Northwestern when Blake is there, too!

Blake is a Senior this year - and they're both in Hospers Hall.