We’ve all been there. Poised on the brink of life’s next adventure; ready to cut the apron strings that keep us tethered to our parents. Excited to forge ahead, anticipating all God has for us.

I didn’t think about it much at the time, but I wasn’t the only one experiencing big change – my parents were too. The family of four had become a family of three when my older brother, Karl, headed off to college. Now it was my turn to head off to the University of Michigan, and the family would be made up of just my Mom and Dad. 

Both Karl and I visited often, and would move back home for summer breaks. But things were different. We were gaining our independence. A few years later, my parents were preparing for two weddings – Karl got married in March, and I got married in April. They were true empty-nesters.

The years have flown by and my husband and I are standing in those same shoes. Our daughter is an adult and she has been married for a year and a half. She and her husband live in Alabama and we have an empty nest.

In His perfect plan, I’ve been able to experience His goodness. From the time our kids are little to the time they become adults, the Lord is preparing us to release them.

Solomon penned the following words of wisdom:

Notice the process: newborn babies are totally dependent on us – as they grow year by year we give them more choices, teaching them to make good decisions – as teenagers guidelines are still in place, but they are becoming more independent – young adults have much more responsibility either attending college and/or working a job.

I’m thankful this whole process is gradual. It gave my husband and I time to adjust with each stage. By the time our daughter headed to college, we were excited for her to test her wings. Don’t misunderstand. The transition was anything but easy. I remember heading back home with an empty car – Steven Curtis Chapman’s song, Cinderella, playing in the background. And yes, I cried. It was hard to get used to our quiet house.

But this first step in releasing our girl made it a little easier to let her go when she got married a few years later. I realized the beauty of God’s plan for marriage:

As empty-nesters, my husband and I are back where we were 26 years ago – a couple with no children in our home. It’s been a transition, but here are some things the Lord has shown me: