Article April 23, 2018 Issue

Divine Love fills the empty nest

Valerie Minard

When my son chose to go to a boarding school far away from home, my husband and I were delighted for him. It was a good school, and we knew it would provide many wonderful opportunities for him to grow and mature during his high school years. We were so busy preparing for his departure that it never occurred to me what home would be like without him—until he left. His younger sister was still at home, but the household dynamics had changed. Suddenly I found myself experiencing what some would call the “empty-nest syndrome,” or in other words, really missing your kid.

I knew in my heart that this was a good step for my son. But I needed to see that God wouldn’t bless him while depriving me or the rest of the family of good. God has a plan for all His children.

As I prayed to feel more of God’s comfort and care, the Bible story of Hannah, from the first two chapters of the first book of Samuel, came to mind. Hannah had been barren for many years. In those days, having no children carried a severe social stigma. Hannah was cruelly ridiculed even as she grieved.

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