“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children.
One of these is roots, the other, wings.” –
Hodding Carter
I could NOT be a mother eagle. They actually tear apart their nest to encourage their young to fly away!!! How barbaric is that? lol I can’t help reflecting: the dazzling, dynamic season of giving my children roots is flitting away. I know some moms can’t wait for their children to go back to school or can’t wait to be “just a couple” again again. I, on the other hand, couldn’t even finish the book, “Feathers From My Nest”, by Beth Moore, because I didn’t want to face the future reality of my life.
Since we’ve moved to Kansas, every year we’ve had a graduation and/or a wedding. My eaglets are leaving & cleaving, flying and soaring left and right!
It doesn’t seem to affect Jeff in the same way- he’s actually excited for them while my happiness for them is overshadowed by a bit of nostalgic sadness. I just relish having a full & thriving nest! (thankfully, he does too) I loved the “giving roots” part of raising children: family devotions, vacations, traditions, bedtime stories, celebrations, sporting events, birthdays. It’s the “wings” part I have a little trouble with. 🙂 I’m not even sure what I’m supposed to do if I’m not needed in that capacity anymore. 🙁 )
Perhaps that’s one of the greatest challenges for me as a stay at home mother:
to see God alway has more ……..
at every season,
at every stage!
This is my last child to “need” me. Oh, I know she’ll always “need” me, but she is moving forward, stretching out to find who God made her to be. Others will be helping and impacting her life, now more than ever. I know it’s selfish-it really is about Bethany– but a small part of me wants to hold on to the sweet simplicity of childhood. (Maybe God knows me so intimately that He blessed me with a large family- that way there is no empty nest I have to face before I’m enjoying my grandchildren! 🙂 )
I was a little sad and teary when I started writing this, but God spoke something precious into my heart. Maybe I don’t like wings because I feel left behind. He showed me wings are not just for Bethany- (or any of our children)
I’m thinking its time for me to leave the nest and start soaring the skies with them! 😉
See you in the sky! 🙂
Surprising Treasure: Isaiah 30:31- the Amplified Bible “But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.”
Love you mom- as your first winged test subject, I can tell ya since you spent years teaching me to look at things from a “high above” angle, you managed the wings thing ok! My heart is sad for your sadness but so excited for all the things God is still getting to reveal to you about His purpose for YOU! beyond your previous frame of reference or sense of belonging- stretching your comfort zone- just like He’s doing for Beth. Kinda like home-schooling all over again- how fun for you both to learn at the same time!
Oh Sarah! You might know how much I love you but just realize my love and respect grow with every year! 🙂 I don’t know who “needs” who the most- the parent or the child. It’s obvious the parent is in a teaching/imparting role, but the “surprising” thing about children- is how much they teach and stretch you! (I’m sure you’ve realized this as a mom yourself) Thanks for your encouragement and reminding me to keep stretching out of my comfort zone. Love you!
That is so true Cindy! I’m twenty-five and my mom is still my best friend. She’s given me roots and wings, and now I’m helping her fulfil her dreams too, and it’s beautiful.
Soar on!
That’s so cool Sarah- I know your Mom is so proud of you and all your accomplishments but I’m betting she treasures your friendship most of all! Blessings
I miss those nesting days too. These days its the flutter of wings everywhere, but then, I like the feel of a breeze in my face. And our children are flyers. They really are!
LOL- that’s because YOU are an EAGLE extradinare- husband! I’ve been nest bound so long, I’m just starting to stretch my wings- but watch out- here I come 🙂
When your grandbabies outgrow the nest, I bet you and Bethany could keep your nest warm for others, since she loves babies so much and the world has so many of them in need of what you have to give. A pro-life friend of ours cared for newborns awaiting adoption, until she and her family adopted a little girl of their own from Ukraine with spinal atresia. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! 🙂
Here’s a video I have to share with you. Birds are my favorite creatures, next to people. Since my mama showed my sister and me our first birds’ nest, with those little hungry beaks ready to eat, I’ve marveled at how God has provided for those little ones, to survive this often-times harsh world. Even little birds have a lot to teach us. Hugs and thanks again for your always fresh insights! I love to read what you write.
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9479342&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Edy. Cohen, Finley, Bethany and I have watched this video clip so many times! Those “faithful” robin parents- I’m struck by how steadfast and patiently focused on nesting, hatching, feeding, and protecting their little ones.
And I quite agree with you- God keeps “surprising” me with ways of filling my nest I never dreamed- so I’m sure you’re right- where there’s a will- there’s a way. 🙂 Hugs Edy- thanks for your encouragement!