Inside: Emptying nest prompts thankful reflection, thoughts of home and curiosity about what’s next. ~
Our neighbors got their driveway replaced right before Molly left for college. Such an event might not prompt a trip down memory lane for most people, but it did for me.
Years ago, our neighbor on the other side got a new driveway. Molly was home sick that day, but she felt well enough to sit in a little chair in our driveway and watch the whole project.
With her sweet purple glasses and tiny frame, she probably didn’t look like she’d be fascinated by heavy machinery and construction sites. But she was. Still is, in fact.
More Memories
We got the windshield replaced on our minivan another day she was home sick. That time, she sat in the garage, a safe distance away from the work zone. Thankfully, the good-natured technician didn’t mind working with an audience.
These scenes came to mind as I listened to the construction workers jackhammering next door last week.
Molly has a mechanically oriented mind, along with her own set of hand tools with flowered handles. She’s always enjoyed fixing things and solving problems. She’s creative and unafraid to try things that might make other people anxious.
For example, she’s been backing into parking spaces, without any help from side or rear cameras, since she started to drive on her own a few years ago. That one detail alone says a great deal about her, in my humble opinion as her completely biased mother.
That’s My Girl
I love all this about her, and so much more. Partly because her strengths are different from mine. And also because it’s been so fun to watch her grow from that little girl on the driveway into a confident young lady who is now a college freshman majoring in computer science.
I’m still processing all the feels that come with sending one’s youngest off to school. As I told a friend, my mind’s been like that little circle that goes around and around on your screen when Instagram isn’t working. Lots and lots of processing, and not a whole lot of words to describe it all.
But I’m OK with That
I know God will go before Molly in this stage of her life—and before older daughter Lilly, who leaves for a semester in Europe next week—just as He goes before me and you in our current seasons. I also take comfort in knowing millions of moms have trekked down this road before me, and others are currently on the same path right now.
With all this going on, I haven’t had many opportunities for focused writing. Fortunately, I can bring you up to date through this month’s Share Four Somethings and still have time to go swimming and shopping with Lilly before she boards a plane for her next big adventure.
Starting with …
Something Loved
The girls both had summer jobs that allowed them to be home for supper most weeknights. I love to cook for my family, to enjoy meals together, to linger after the last morsels of flourless chocolate cake are gone—talking and laughing about what happened that day and what’s coming tomorrow.
I’m gonna miss this, just like the country song says I will. But I will also cherish the memories.
Something Read
My mind is a bit scattered to be thinking deep thoughts about books right now. However, I did write down one quote from a novel that spoke to me this past month. It’s from Homecoming, a lengthy time-slip story by Kate Morton that crosses continents and weaves the details of several families into one tragic-yet-redemptive tale.
I recommend it if you like that sort of book. If not, you’ll probably still understand why the following words—spoken about the main character—tugged at my heart.
“She herself had been thinking about ‘home’ a lot,” Morton writes. “Home, she’d realized, wasn’t a place or a time or a person, though it could be any and all of those things: home was a feeling, a sense of being complete. The opposite of ‘home’ wasn’t ‘away,’ it was ‘lonely.’ When someone said, ‘I want to go home,’ what they really meant was that they didn’t want to feel lonely anymore.”
Something Learned
It’s going to take me a while to think through all the lessons from this nest-emptying season of my life. For now, the one that comes to mind is that intentionally approaching a big change like this with curiosity instead of anxiety makes all the difference in the world.
Instead of worrying about how I’m going to feel or being anxious about all the details or fretting about what’s next, I’ve been reminding myself take one task at a time. To feel each feeling as it comes and then move on to the next one. To trust, as I said before, that God is going before each one of us, wherever we are.
But mostly, to take to heart—over and over again—the command in Matthew 6:34: “Don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Something Ahead
After Lilly leaves, I need to sit down and make a list. It will include projects in process as well as those that have been on the back burner for far too long. I’ll add every person I want to call for coffee. Every email requesting help or advice that I’ve been meaning to write. Every looming task around the house that doesn’t fall under the heading of routine housework.
I suppose this could be overwhelming, but it’s not. Once the list is written, I’ll know what to do next. It’s not set in stone, but it will provide an anchor in the midst of transition. I need that, but you can also be sure I’ll be holding it loosely.
• • •
Now it’s your turn. What are you loving, learning and reading these days? What does the fall hold for you? Do you find to-do lists helpful? Please share in the comments.
♥ Lois
My mind’s been like that little circle that goes around and around on your screen when Instagram isn’t working. Lots and lots of processing, and not a whole lot of words to describe it all. Share on X Once my to-do list is written, I’ll know what to do next. It's not set in stone, but it will provide an anchor in the midst of transition. Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with sharefoursomethings, #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.
32 comments
If Molly did nothing else but back into parking spaces without using cameras, she’s amazing to me! 🙂
What a poignant Share 4 post this month, Lois. I feel where you’re at; I was once there too. I love how you’re navigating this new season with curiosity and courage. And lists! They make everything happen for me. 🙂
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Lisa. You would probably laugh if you could see my list in its current state … I’ve just been scratching things down willy nilly. I definitely need to come up with some categories and list-management strategies. But I’ve started, so that’s something, right? 🙂
I need to write a list like yours. I am struggling with what to do next, such a weird season I am in. Love your updates. Have a great day.
It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one in a weird season, Cindy. Good luck with the list … mine is pretty rough but it’s a start!
Ahhh, friend, your words so resonate with me. As I read your thoughts about entering the empty nest stage, I realized I’m not worried for myself but for the choices my sons will make. And God keeps reminding me that He holds each of them in the palm of His hand. So I have no reason to worry. 😉 I know God is giving me direction for my next steps. But I’m also making a list because things keep coming to mind that I’ve been putting off. I like the idea of approaching this next stage with curiosity.
Ah, Jeanne … I know you know what I’m talking about! What a comfort to remember that our children are safely and securely in the palm of God’s loving hand. You would laugh if you could see my list at present … it’s a big mishmash of big projects and next steps and things I’ve been putting off and also daily tasks like laundry. I think I need to come up with a better list-management system. 🙂
You have so many good reminders here, Lois, and it’s interesting to me that they can apply to us in whatever stage we’re in. I loved your reference to the song; that one pops into my mind a lot too.
That’s a good point about how the reminders apply to any stage of life, Ashley. 🙂
The opposite of home is lonely. Oh wow. I’ve never really considered it just like that but, oh, so true! Congratulations to both of your girlies – such big moves and accomplishments this month! I know it is exciting for all of you:) Enjoy those ramble down memory lane..and thanks for sharing some of the memories!:)
I thought that description of home was spot on too, Jennifer! You’re right about all the excitement. Both girls are having fun and seem to be doing well, so what else could a mom ask for? 🙂
This was so sweet to read, friend. Praying for you in the adventure of what’s next for you and each of your girls!
Thanks so much for your prayers, Bethany. So comforting to know others are lifting us up in prayer, especially when things don’t go exactly as planned!
Lovely post. I love most the bit about processing how you are feeling about your daughter going away. I have the same – my eldest moved out for 13 months, came hme for 6 and is now off again – not far away but I miss seeing her. I know it’s the best thing (Lockdown really stole her Uni experience). I’m happy for her but still a bit sad for me – I try not to pester her too much because she’s the type that would feel guilty, even though it’s a totally normal experience and I’d moved out of home well before she did!
I also like the quote from homecoming. I’ve not read that book but a lot of my freinds have. I need to read it, it appears! #ShareFourSomethings
So good to hear from you, Lydia. Isn’t it interesting how the things that seemed so normal to us when we were young now take on so much more emotional significance when we’re the parents in the picture? 🙂 I get the mixed emotions of being happy for our kids and sad because we miss them. And yes … I highly recommend Homecoming. It’s long but so good.
I was rather pleased that my boys’ work scheduled allowed for a lot of family meals this summer too (though my oldest son did have a class he’s taking that occasionally interfered). I know these family meals are short lived so I try to enjoy them–even on the nights I don’t necessarily feel like cooking. 🙂
I’m glad you got to have a lot of family meals this summer too, Joanne. So many memories made around the table, even though we might not realize it at the time. 🙂
Sounds like you are facing lots of big changes, but these also sound like exciting opportunities for Lilly and Molly! As I face some very different big changes, I appreciate your thoughts about approaching change with curiosity rather than anxiety and trusting that God goes before us.
Thanks for sharing about Homecoming. I have read a couple of Kate Morton’s other books and enjoyed them so I’m sure I would like this one too.
Lesley, I’ve read all of Kate Morton’s books, and I’d have to say Homecoming has been one of my favorites so far. I hope the big changes you are facing go smoothly.
Dear Lois, your reflections of your daughters are poignant, lovely, thoughtful. What an incredible Mom you’ve been to these beautiful young women. And maybe the best is yet to come?
I’m hopeful that it is, Linda. 🙂 Thank you for your precious words, friend.
Lois such a sweet month. I loved hearing your memories about Molly and Lily, beautiful girls! Though I’m long past the empty nest, I still long for those times when my kids were young, though I marvel at the individuals they have become!
May God bless this new season with beautiful memories for all of you!
Aw, Donna … thank you for your sweet words. I’ve loved watching my girls become who they are … and I can’t wait to see how that continues in the future. Love and hugs to you, dear friend.
Oh the many joys and uncertainties of an emptying nest! Remembering that many have already done it, and many are doing it now, and that the Lord continues to be faithful is a good attitude and has helped me face the transition. I love the quote from the book that you shared – very accurate and timely. Hope you experience many blessings in the weeks ahead!
Thanks so much, Kym. It’s comforting to remember there are many joys among all the uncertainties of the empty nest! 🙂
Wow, I am in awe of your daughter ‘s skill set too because it differs so wildly from my own! Spacially challenged and inept with tools—that’s me!
That sensation of life rushing toward the door is jarring and even now with everyone married and established in homes, I feel the need to take attendance or somehow account for all the empty bedrooms.
But there is also goodness and I know it will find you.
Aw, Michele … thanks for your continued encouragement. Your words are always a blessing, friend.
I like that mental image of the little wheel turning–“lots of processing, and not a whole lot of words.” It’s neat the girls could be home for supper most of this season before everyone scatters.
I have a list of projects large and small to refer to. The everyday stuff keeps me from referring to it much, but sometimes I’ll peruse it and get to something there–or cross something off.
I especially like this: “I’ve been reminding myself take one task at a time. To feel each feeling as it comes and then move on to the next one. To trust, as I said before, that God is going before each one of us, wherever we are.”
The processing continues, Barbara … I need to send a little update to our writing group with the latest turn of unexpected events. God continues to go before us, though, and I’m thankful for that. I’m glad that the every day stuff is important too, even when it doesn’t feel like it. 🙂
Approaching the summer season in curiosity seems so life-giving, Lois. Transition can mean opportunity when we have a positive perspective which your list that provides “an anchor in the midst of transition” does. Your girls will be sending you fun pictures of their new adventures which you will enjoy with them from home.
Life-giving is a great way to describe it, Lisa. I’ve been enjoying those pictures from Molly and can’t wait to see some from Spain when Lilly gets there!
It’s funny how transitions and changes bring us back to the anchoring truth that God will be with us. We don’t need to worry about it all. While it is different changes in our family, I have been realizing how fretting leads to fear. The Lord has been calling me to just still myself and remember who He is. All power and authority is His alone and He knows no limits. Our prayers stretch across any distance, and cover every situation. We pray and then wait and watch what He will do. My “list” this week has been a list of truths and has become my anchor 🙂
Every word you wrote here is resonating with my heart right now, Joanne. Amen and amen, dear friend.