I have never anticipated the prospect of having an empty nest. You could call it denial or call it a desire to keep my children close and safe, but I have coasted along for many years not realizing how hard it would be to release my children to adulthood and thus to the world out there.
My daughters are well-trained. They are moral, productive citizens, and I am so proud of their accomplishments and abilities. We have always worked together as a team–their father and I as a minister of music and of the Word; they as musicians and sound technicians.
Over the years, there has been so much concentration on work that I missed the fact that my girls were also needing to find their own persons to love. After all, family love is one thing, but espousal love is something entirely different.
I truly believe that my girls will desire a man of integrity and honor; one who treats them well and respects them as persons. I would want this to be reciprocal because both parties in a union must respect and honor one another. I would encourage them to look for nothing less in the person they choose.
This is simply thought and the desires of my heart for them both. I pray that GOD will honor these desires. Nevertheless, I am aware that their choices are just that–their choices. I cannot choose for them, I don’t believe in arranged marriages, but what I can do is pray–fervently and unceasingly. I can trust in a GOD who has never failed me and in whose hands I will place my children. The thought of not having them asleep in my home is over-whelming and will become reality some day, but I pray for sons who will understand my mother’s heart and allow them to return to my bosom when they need to relate, and who will desire to relate also. I pray for beautiful grandchildren who will reflect the core values of their parents and grandparents.
Am I dreaming an impossible dream? No, I don’t think so. Life has proven that this is possible. Whatever the choices that my daughters make, whomever they choose to love and care for, their Dad and I will bless them and pray for them as my parents blessed and prayed for me and my choices so many years ago.
