Broken-Nest

My wife and I are about 3 paragraphs into a new chapter in our married life. A month ago, we loaded all our son's stuff into his college dorm room and after a season of hugs and goodbyes, we drove away from the campus. He is our youngest. So for the first time in 21 years we are just the two of us...again.

Some call it the "empty nest". The baby birds take flight into adulthood, and leave momma and pappa bird. But after living about 30 days into the experience, I suppose it's more like a "broken nest". Don't get me wrong. My wife, Jennie and I love the new time alone together. It reminds us of when we were first married. But there's just something missing. The nest is... well, broken.

Time Together Is Richer...

I've noticed something about this broken nest. Phone calls from the kids, their weekend visits, even short texts have taken on a deeper significance; a stronger intimacy. We look forward to these short connections. We are eager to hear from the kids; to know how they're doing; to know they are okay. This wasn't necessarily the case when they were home all the time. I guess we tend to take for granted what we always have around. But time together is richer in the context of brokenness.

Are you taking your relationship with Christ for granted? If so, maybe you're not operating from a posture of dependence before Him. Perhaps you've gotten a little too comfortable because your ministry strategy is working. Maybe your self-reliance is weakening the power of God's Spirit through your life and ministry.

You and I serve strongest when we are broken. He is eager to hear from you. Remember Psalm 51.17? "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Time with Him is richer in the context of brokenness. I challenge you to pause and reflect on your walk with God. How dependent are you on God? How broken are you?

Thanks to Bridget Chumbley and her One Word Blog Carnival for the inspiration for this post.

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Are you experiencing the broken nest for the first time this school year? What are you experiencing?

Comments

[Glynn]

Our youngest son is now graduated from college and off working on his own. It's different -- but we're both rather enjoying it. Of course, what helps is the new grandson, child of my oldest son. (We'd forgotten how much work babies are, though!)

[Scott Couchenour]

We have a while before new babies enter the picture. I suppose they are great fun (especially when you can hand them off to their parents!!)

[Sandra Heska King]

I think "broken nest" is a much better descriptor.

[katdish]

I think to know what it means to be far away from God has helped me understand just how much I need him. But I too often get comfortable in the knowledge that He is always there. Thanks for this wonderful reminder.

[Bill (cycleguy)]

Scott: since my girls are older (35 & 31) we have had the broken-nest much longer than you have. While it is nice, it is sweet to hear a word or a text or a call from them. While I wouldn't want them to move back home (unless dire circumstances required it) I relish their visits. But it is also easy to see why it is so important for the husband and wife to have built a relationship of their own all along. Good thoughts my friend.

[Jim F.]

My heart breaks for those who do not build the relationship throughout the years and when the nest is empty they do not know each other anymore. I have seen that sadly end in divorce.

For me my kids are still in the home but I work on keeping the marriage strong and fresh- just as I work on keeping the the relationship with Christ strong and fresh.

Thanks for the post.

[Scott Couchenour]

I do too, Sandra. Thanks for stopping by.

[Scott Couchenour]

Thank you for your insight. Taking comfort in knowing He's always there without taking Him for granted. Now that's what I struggle with.

[Scott Couchenour]

I think God relishes visits with us. I know I love it when I'm able to finally settle down long enough to enjoy His presence. Busy-ness seems to be the most common culprit.

[Scott Couchenour]

That is a sad thing to see happen, Jim. The center of the marriage is taken up by baseball practice, soccer games, band concerts... (all good stuff). But it's vital to maintain a "just the two of us" connection. Date nights are a common way to keep the marriage fire burning.