The Blessed Empty Nest Sample

Day 5

Training — It’s Better Than Trying

To offer our best in the encore years, we need to be healthy in our minds, bodies, and spirit. Embracing this mindset daily and believing that we are “in training” to be like Christ instead of “trying” to do so is empowering. 

Transformation is not about trying harder. It’s about training wisely. To live out your mission and purpose during these empty nesting years takes training. Athletes competing in sports train for countless hours in preparation for games, marathons, or triathlons. The training is necessary for success. God won’t love you more because you “do your list,” but He’ll love your heart as you train to align more with Him. 

Spiritual disciplines like reading the Bible, prayer, and surrounding yourself with an encouraging community will make a meaningful difference in your daily life. Align with others who have the same mission — to be more like Jesus. Expect opposition and even spiritual attack as you train, but . . . hang in there! The rewards are worth every minute and you’ll be ready to handle each day His way. 

1 Corinthians 9:25: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (NIV)

1 Timothy 4:8-10: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” (NIV)

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (NIV)