When Gravel Roads Take Flight

My “hands-on motherhood road” is quickly nearing an end.

The everyday errand-running, awake-at-dawn then up-til-who-knows-when era is fading fast.

I’m a worn-down gravel road.

The years of memories etched into my very being.

Birthday parties

Sleepovers

Science fair projects

Field trips

Proms

Homecomings

Doctor’s appointments

Soccer games

Basketball games

Track meets

Band concerts

Guitar lessons

Art lessons

Piano lessons

Voice lessons

The list goes on and on.

I didn’t think it would hit me so profoundly –

This empty-nest stage of life so quickly approaching –

But I’m feeling it this week.

I’m feeling the rocks between my toes…………..

the sharp pain that comes from knowing my house will soon be filled with so many empty rooms.

Two of my birds have already settled into nests of their own and within months another bird will move to Japan and then my last little birdie will head to college.

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I remember when our oldest son began kindergarten over twenty years ago.

My mom so wisely said,

“Once they start school, the time just flies by.”

I’m sure I agreed (as any young mom should when her mom makes a reflective statement),

but I had no way of understanding that the “flies by” part

also meant that one day my very own little birds would flap their wings and truly

fly………..away………………

happily

eagerly

excitedly

out of our nest and into this great big, wonderful world.

I wouldn’t hold them back even if I could though.

What bird wants to sit in a nest

when the sky is the limit

and it patiently waits for them?

——————————————————————–

I really don’t think I’m struggling to let my birdies go.

I just can’t believe it’s already time.

——————————————————————

I turned one page in the story of my life and everything shifted.

Things that once kept me awake crying suddenly seem so insignificant.

Celebrations for games won and awards for feats accomplished are already starting to fade away.

There’s a sharp bend in the road ahead,

and I can either fear the unknown

or be excited about the new scenery that is quickly approaching………….

………for my little birdies…….

And for me.

Tonight, I’m wondering if my nest can really be empty if my husband and I continue to sit in it.

Maybe God is calling us to “fly” too.

I’m not sure what that means or even looks like,

but I do know this:

Our lives aren’t over just because our baby birds are flying away.

 

“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

I may be a worn-down gravel road,

but I’m still headed somewhere.

And if I place my Hope in God,

I won’t just shuffle through life feeling the pain of rocks between my toes.

I will soar on wings like an eagle.

My nest will soon be empty……………….

but that just means this worn-down gravel road will soon be flying too.