Parenting

My Nest Has a Vacancy

meghanewhite

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In the spring while trimming one of our wax myrtles I discovered this beautiful bird’s nest. There were no eggs, and not a bird to be found. This humble home was built with care and then abandon. This bird even used plastic, as well as twigs and grass, now that’s resourceful. The things we do for our offspring.

We do so much to prepare our nests for the arrival of our sweet little ones. Getting a crib or bassinet, buying diapers, clothes and toys, all in anticipation of a precious new baby. We clean the nest, maybe even build a new one, all in preparing for the blessed addition to our families.

It’s difficult to prepare for the time when the little baby bird grows up and leaves the nest. Instead of baby clothes, it’s stuff for their dorm room or apartment, or wherever they are going. Except this time it’s not for the nest, it’s for their new lives. The nest is not needed in the same way anymore.

I don’t know if you ever feel completely ready, as a parent, for your child to leave the nest. Maybe for some, they are ready to kick their teenage birds out, not me. But, it’s definitely time to spread those wings and fly.

We moved my youngest son into his dorm room at college this week. He was ready. I was sort of ready, but sort of not. I kept thinking of all the things I didn’t tell him, or teach him. What about this? What about that? Oh, I forgot to tell him …… fill in the blank. It’s letting go, and it’s not easy, at least for me.

I’ve done this before, but it’s different with the youngest. This is the last time to send a kid to college. It’s very exciting, and I am so happy for Joshua, and all the experiences and opportunities that wait for him. However, my mind starts to worry, which is not good. It’s my default, and the Lord has patiently taught me over the years how not to worry, and trust Him.

I’m singing a new song, “Let It Go!”. But my version is, “Let him go, let him go, into the Lord’s perfect care,” or something like that. I know that my Heavenly Father has my son in the palms of His very capable hands. I have peace, and I am truly happy for him. My old habits want to come back, but this time I’m saying, “No!” to worry and fear. I’m saying, “Yes!” to the Lord and His purpose and plan.

Fly little bird. Spread those gorgeous wings and see what you can do.

But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Love you all,

Meghan

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Published by meghanewhite

12 thoughts on “My Nest Has a Vacancy”

  1. Praise God! You have been and ARE such a great mom, Meghan. What an exciting time for Joshua. You & Tom have trained him well. God has plans for him and YOU too in this new season. 🙏❤️

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      1. Amen, and I will pray along with you.

        How precious to see your youngest son going to the place where WE met so many years ago. I also pray he will meet a lifetime friend, like we found in each other!🤗

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  4. Meghan, we here in Australia do not necessarily have the system of going off to college. My son is in university, goes from home but I can so relate to letting go as they get older and trusting God with the choices he makes. I tend to fret and worry and it has been such a learning curve for me. As you said I tend to think I should have done some things differently. I am very much still learning. Praying that you will have peace and that Joshua will lean on the Lord in this new phase of his life.

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  5. There comes a time when we have to release the children in God’s care. He will take care of them. Congratulations to you and your son. It is indeed a wonderful opportunity for him. 🙏

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