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The Empty Nest Over the last two months Regena and I have been introduced to the term "empty nesters." All of our children have moved out of the home and we are now alone. I noticed a number of couples looking at us with a sense of "Are you two going to have a time adjusting to being alone?" while other couples seem to think we would like the change. After more than a month of this change I can say some things about "the empty nest." First, it is amazing how quickly children grow up. We know our children are growing up and time goes by quickly so it should not come as a surprise when you wake up one day to find them grown. But it is still a shock to see them leave the "nest." My advice to parents with young children is "don't blink." That is not original since Kenney Chesney had a song with that title. Some of the words in that song are, "Don't blink, you might just miss your babies growing like mine did." The Bible says that life is just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away, James 4.14. Such is true for every stage of life. One's childhood seems like it will last forever but it quickly ends. Those awkward teenage years just drag on and on until you blink and they are gone. College and one's twenties just accelerate the pace as one looks for a job and a spouse. Then comes along children and you don't know where all the hours of the day goes to. Those years might seem like they will last a long time but they will end. Parents you have one chance to rear your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, Ephesians 6.4. You need to get it right! Second, it is surprising how quiet the house is when the children are gone. I remember one time trying to have a conversation with Regena, only to be interrupted time and again. I just wondered when we would be able to have a quiet conversation again. Now we can. Be careful of what you wish for. See "No More Oatmeal Kisses" by Erma Bombeck in this bulletin. Sometimes noise is bad but sometimes it is good. It means things are going on, people are talking, laughing, and doing things. Be thankful for the noise. Finally, blessings are sometimes hard to take. Think of the blessing of Mary when the Holy Spirit told her that she was with child in Luke 3. She was not yet married and about to have a child who would be despised and forsaken by His own people. She would see him die one of the most painful deaths possible and yet she, and we, have been blessed by His life. Such is the way of blessings. We have been blessed by good children who have grown up to the point of being on their own or close to it. What is the alternative? One time I was joking with Eli as he was about ready to leave to go back to school and told him to stay. He said, "Ok, I will just drop out of school and stay here." That was no fun! He used logic against me to show me the ridiculous nature of my request. It is a blessing to see your children grow up. Parenting is one of those jobs that changes as your children change. -- Dennis Tucker |