Empty Nest Depression

Are you having a hard time with the thought of being an Empty Nester? Refocus by trying one of these 7 tips.

Think back to just before your little one started to walk. Remember those moments where he would be standing there holding on to the coffee table, let go and just stand there until he sat down? And then one day, he had enough confidence to not only let go, but to take that first step. We clapped and cheered at the accomplishment and eventually, he just kept right on walking.

Those first little steps that she took and now look at her, all grown up. It was those first steps that we, as parents, encouraged her to take that are helping to lead her where she needs to go.

Taylor is now in Texas meeting with his advisors. He wants to make sure that he has everything set up and in place for the fall. I know that he will manage school life without any trouble, but I still see my little boy carefully trying to put one foot in front of the other so that he doesn't fall.

I know that God has plans for him and he needs to be about the business of getting things taken care of and squared away. God has set him on this path and I trust that he will be with him each step of the way.

This makes me think of the time when Jesus was twelve. He was supposed to be traveling with His parents back home from Jerusalem. He stayed behind, but didn't let His parents know. They found Him in the temple courts, sitting among teachers, listening to them and asking questions. His parents were hurt (and probably a bit panicked) that He had not let them know where He was going to be. His response, "Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" God had placed Him on the path that He needed to take. He had business to take care of and didn't understand His parent's worry.

7 Ways To Refocus

1. Reconnect with your husband.

Spend some time getting to know your husband again. Share something with him that he does not know about you. Encourage him to share something with you that you don't know about him. You might also consider planning a date with each other.

2. Start a new hobby.

Think of a hobby that sounds interesting and spend time learning all you can about this hobby. Bonus points if it is something that you and your husband can do together.

3. Get a fur baby. 

Consider getting a pet. A dog, cat, birds, fish <--- even though those last two are not fur haha. They need love, attention, food, training, etc.

4. Plan a trip. 

You and your husband can plan a trip (or several) now that the kids are out doing their own thing. You only have to plan for the two of you.

5. Get involved in the community. 

Become a face of the community. If there is an event, try to attend. You will get to know a lot of people this way.

6. Volunteer. 

Start volunteering with a program that sounds interesting to you.

7. Focus on your calling. 

Remember the nudging that you felt before the kids came along? It is now time to pull that calling out of the box, dust it off and give it a good shake. Pray over it and see where the Lord leads you.

Luke 2:41-52 NIV Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”   “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”  But they did not understand what he was saying to them.  Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Dear Father, thank You for always being there with me. Father, this transition period has been very hard, but I do know that You have plans for all of my children. Just as You had plans for Jesus as He was following Your guidance at 12 years of age. Thank You for the time that You have blessed me with these children. I pray that You will continue to be with them each step of the way. I also pray that You will give me guidance Lord on the things that You want me to do with my time. I thank You so much. In Jesus' name, Amen.

You might also enjoy reading: 

A Good Friend Motivates

Reduce Sibling Conflict

Overwhelmed By Motherhood?

Support For When Your Child Leaves For College

Your turn:

Are you having a hard time with the thought of being an Empty Nester?
Do you have any tips that you can share that might help others dealing with Empty Nest Depression?
How can I pray for you today?
If you will allow it, I will be happy to help carry your load.


Your Sister,

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