Marriage Pearl # 3:

Raising kids seems unending but stay connected to each other because you will cross into being an empty nester and you don’t want to be strangers to each other when you get there. 

I remember when my children started flying out of the nest. 

I felt like I had so much input into my life, heart, and thinking about being a good parent. 

All the books I read and the talks I listened to and the folks I emulated were great for the throws of parenting, but NOTHING prepared me for the aspect of the kids being gone. 

The stages of marriage as I see them are the starting a new family unit, having children, raising those children, supporting your kids as they launch out into the world,  and the empty nest. 

Sometimes that empty nest happens and then kids need support and are back with you for a season, but eventually the empty nest will transpire. 

For me it was a difficult season (and sometimes still is), but I am thankful that Steve and I stayed connected throughout the season of raising kids. 

I remember listening to a Dobson talk once that highlighted different stages of parenting and the last stage he discussed was being a coach to your children.  I feel like that is the stage of empty nesters.  We aren’t intricately  involved in the details of our kids lives anymore, but when needed we are available and can give counsel and encouragement.

Finding yourself in a big ol’ house with a stranger is not good.  Stay connected and don’t stop dreaming together. 

Steve and I are living out some of our dreams right now.  Dreams we didn’t know if we’d see actualized.  We are still dreaming too! 

We have goals and aspirations that seem out of reach, but we are journeying together towards them.  Keep that connection going with your spouse.

• Child-rearing is only one phase of a marital relationship.
• Avoid letting the empty nest stage result in an isolated, unfamiliar relationship with your spouse.
• Stay close to your spouse through all stages in order to avoid loneliness in the empty nest stage.
• The empty nest phase can be challenging, and it is crucial to navigate it together.
• Your role shifts from a parent to a coach, ready to offer guidance and support to your grown children.
• Maintaining a close bond with your spouse is crucial for realizing your joint dreams and aspirations.