Almost Empty

"As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the LORD alone did lead him..."  --Deuteronomy 32:11, 12a

Even though I actually haven't yet experienced having a truly empty nest, I've been feeling a bit blue today as I've been reminded of the inevitable.  When my children were younger, they once went to summer camp for a week, but I knew they would soon be home again.

My first experience with long-term separation was a couple of years ago when our second son went away to college for a year.  That was a little difficult, because he is the more exuberant of the three, and he and I have always enjoyed having some serious theological discussions.  He also gives wonderful shoulder massages. The house was quieter while he was gone.  It was then that I realized I was being prepared to one day face an empty nest.

Our daughter, left yesterday to visit her out-of-state boyfriend for just short of a week.  I’m glad she’ll be coming back, because I have been enjoying the growing friendship between us.  I will always be her mother, but I’m glad we’re becoming friends.  She adds creativity and beauty to our family, as well as delicious aromas from the kitchen.  I miss her smiles, giggles, and stories.  Her kitty, Leslie, misses her, too.

Our oldest son is planning to depart Thursday to take a job half way across the country.  Although he attended a technical college for four years, he was able to live at home and commute.  He graduated last year with a bachelor’s degree, and although he was able to work at a temporary job for a few months, the job market in our state has been very bleak.  I’m so grateful for my sister’s and brother-in-law’s offer of a job and a place to stay.  While I am sad he’ll be leaving home, I’m excited for the journey the Lord has set before him.  I’m also delighted he’ll be with family where deeper relationships can be built.  I’ll miss his smiles, hugs, and analytical wit.  Oh!  And his macro lens and curry fried rice.  (^_~)

Perhaps I won’t really have to experience an empty nest.  Our second son married a very nice young lady last year, and they are expecting their first child in July... Grace Elizabeth.  So before our daughter leaves the nest, our family will soon be blessed with a little one to fill it up again.