Embracing the Empty Nest- Redefining Your PurposeSample

Day 3: REASSURANCE

Our love for our children is unconditional. We can often foresee a decision being made may have an adverse affect. I have learned and am still learning to share the truth in love and fight for my children in prayer. God constantly reminds me to have full assurance in

James 5:16, the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much.

Over the years I've spent countless hours in prayer, to the point where I jokingly say “my knees are raw from being in my prayer closet.”

My youngest daughter is free-spirited, beautiful and creative. We knock heads quite a bit because we all know that free-spirited children beat to their own drum. This beautiful one from the day she was blessed to enter our lives and has carried that into adulthood. I have come to accept the fact that she is just a younger version of myself.

The Lord gave me comfort in our most challenging days that she has and will always be his. Let her walk her path. I had to walk in mine. It is the one that she chose and that God will guide her into all truth. I just have to sit back and watch God be God. I have to be honest it is very hard.

I've always emphasized to my children the importance of cultivating a spirit of discernment. Since it's scientifically understood that our brains aren't fully developed until the age of 25, thankfully, they have each developed a keen ability to navigate this area. They can often perceive the true intentions behind someone's actions and discern whether they should participate in certain activities. It is by listening to and being guided by the Holy Spirit that they gain this insight.

This mother's prayers have allowed them to make sound decisions when they are questioning something we have discussed. It may be a heavy decision. However, with perfect discernment they may bump their head, but eventually they will walk in wisdom and make the right choice. Even if they take the 10-year journey and not the 10-day journey. It is not always going to be immediate. They will make the right one.

For instance, when my son sensed something was off at a party within five minutes of arriving, it was the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit that prompted him to leave. He whispered to his best friend to take him home and advised him to leave as well. That intuition spared them both from the chaos that unfolded just minutes after they left.

The Holy Spirit reminded me that teaching them the gift of discernment is one of the greatest gifts given. Proverbs 1:8 gives hope for our children. It says

Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching.

This gift will walk your children in places that God has for them and out of places that God knows will harm them.

My daughters have both experienced the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit, guiding them to listen and follow instructions. For my oldest daughter, this led her to her dream job. For my youngest, it endowed her with business acumen to follow her heart and start her own skincare and wellness company.

I think the story of Jesus and his mother Mary is a prime example of a mother nudging her child into their destiny. Before Jesus performed any public miracles, we see in John Chapter 2 the first instance where Mary confidently spoke into his situation, prompting the beginning of his ministry. When Mary said, "They have no wine," Jesus replied that his time had not yet come. However, I believe the Holy Spirit had spoken to Mary, telling her it was time. She then instructed the servants, "Do whatever he tells you," which led to the miraculous turning of water into wine and the commencement of Jesus's ministry that healed and restored thousands.

This story assures us that while Mary knew it was letting God guide that allowed Jesus to confidently walk into his God-given purpose.

Matthew 19:14

“Jesus said,‘ Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”

I need you to rest assured your children are in good hands.

Prayer:

Father God, grant me wisdom to share the truth in love with my children where they have the ability to receive and walk in discernment. As they grow closer to you give the guidance and peace to know that you are right there with them. Help my heart to understand and know that they are in good hands.