Daily Hope for the Empty NestSample

Finances

Raising a child is not just an emotional investment, it costs a lot of money! According to federal government statistics, it costs more than a quarter of a million dollars to raise a child from birth to age eighteen, and that’s just for the basics! That doesn’t include private school tuition, travel sports like basketball, hockey, or soccer, dance lessons, braces, or piano lessons. Our kids’ growing-up years definitely stretch the budget!

As our kids leave the nest, ironically, our financial resources often become more plentiful. In the empty nest season, we are getting to the later stages of our careers, making more money as we actually need less income to support ourselves and our children.

In today’s scripture, we find a warning about the temptation to store up those additional treasures. In this season, we have the opportunity to be more generous by passing along more of our financial resources to others, as we remember the treasures we receive are from God to use in service of Him and His people.

Prayer

Dear God, please remind me that all of my blessings come from You. Show me how to be a blessing to others in Your name. Amen.

Exercise

Examine your empty nest family budget and think of ways you can bless others financially.