The Blessed Empty Nest Sample

Day 7

Plan for Tomorrow

Empty nesting offers both challenges and opportunities. Planning ahead and choosing how you want to live this new stage of life can be fun and purposeful. Think of it as an “emerging nest” rather than an empty one. These days can be full and fulfilling, interesting and meaningful. It’s a time to dream new dreams and make new plans. For many of us, it’s a time to shift our focus from making a living to making meaning from life. 

Planning for tomorrow and beyond helps you move forward in this transition time. There’s no time better than today to plan for tomorrow. Remember Noah in the Old Testament. He had to plan well and prepare for many years before the rains came. 

Remember, as you make plans, take them to the Lord. He knows what’s best for you and your family. Set reachable goals for the future — for your health and spirituality, for your relationships and finances. Purposely plan how to leave a legacy for your children. Follow His will in each area of your life; find guidance in His Word, the Bible, and in other believers you trust. A God-given vision will give your purpose an eternal significance. 

Jesus taught, though, that you must not be overly consumed with plans for tomorrow. Your confidence must come from trusting Him and His will for your life. After all, the ultimate “tomorrow” is a blessed, eternal “forever,” when you will enjoy the visible presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in eternity. So no matter what tomorrow brings, you can live in full dependence on the Lord and in eager anticipation of a glorious, forever future. May these encore years be your best years yet and may your emerging nest feel full of hope. 

Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

Proverbs 27:1: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do now know what a day may bring.” (NIV)

Revelation 22:5: “. . . there will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” (NIV)