7 Ways We are Coping with the Almost Empty Nest Syndrome

Our children are slowly growing up and leaving our home. This is a bitter sweet time in our lives. My husband and I have always been close and we look forward to be able to pack up and go to see whatever part of the world we wish to see. But on the other hand, we miss our kids being little and the joys and the sorrows that come with that. Below are 7 ways we are handling it:

1. Our focus is on God and His will for our life
    a. Just because we do not have young ones in the home, does not mean God cannot use us in the church or in other people's lives

2. Get to focus more on our marriage

3. Excited for new adventures. With married kids come:
    a. son-in-laws
    b. grandkids
    c. extended families to enjoy

4. Church family
    a. we can help mentor other families in the church
    b. get to be surrogate family to kids who do not have extended family

5. Have time to really listen to people and get to know them

6. Get to start hobbies I have always wanted to enjoy, such as writing or sewing

7. No guilty feelings when I go hang out with friends for an evening or a weekend

I am sure the list will continue but these things help  us when we start thinking about the kids moving on with their lives separate from us as a family unit. After all, that is what we have worked for all these years, for our kids to be able to support themselves and live following God in what He would have for their lives.

Thank you for taking the time to read my contemplations.

With Much Joy,
©Darla J. Smith
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