“The empty nest is a season to enjoy the fruit of your family.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 9, 2026
Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests. Proverbs 14:4
A friend stopped by my house yesterday. We enjoyed salads and casual conversation. I gently asked about his wife. That touched a nerve. With pain on his face and concern in his voice, he described a complicated situation. Feeling unmoored as an empty nester with an unclear purpose, she was growing angrier and more resentful. The intense effects of menopause left his once peaceful, confident wife feeling insecure and cast aside like expired produce, no longer attractive or useful. I listened as he described his efforts, through professional counseling and prayer, to become the best version of himself so he could care for his bride during this challenging season. I shared some of our struggles and how we eventually grew closer to each other and to the Lord. We soon shifted the conversation to other topics and prayed together before he left. So grateful he was real.
How do you feel now that your home has emptied of children? Mad, sad, glad, lonely, without purpose, or freed up may all be legitimate. You are proud of them, but you miss them. They call from college (especially daughters), but it is not the same. We raise them the best we know how, with love, discipline, and belief in Jesus Christ. Like an animal in a barn, they can be messy and smelly. But this is their faith walk to really know God, so enjoy them while you can.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, NKJV).
You send them off to grow a heart of gratitude. By God’s grace they will visit with new appreciation, and distance can grow friendship rather than take it for granted. You prepared them to leave so they can cleave to the one the Lord has for them. Our empty nest is a test of trust in God’s plan. Paul David Tripp understands the goal when we launch our children: “Parenting is not first about what we want for our children or from our children, but about what God in grace has planned to do through us in our children.” They belong to God. We aim them at Him, not at our own dreams.
Do you feel you have drifted apart over the years? If so, be intentional about rekindling intimacy with your best friend. Make these years of marriage your best, and anticipate the gift of grandkids. The empty nest is meant to be a season to enjoy the fruit of your family.
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in this quieter season, anchor my identity in You. Renew intimacy with my spouse, deepen trust in Your plan for our children, and fill my empty nest with purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Plan one intentional date with your spouse this week with phones put away. The next day, call an adult child without an agenda. Consider a marriage intensive as part of your empty nest preparation. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your next purpose; serve someone needing your seasoned wisdom.
Related Reading
Genesis 7:1; Proverbs 31:15; Matthew 19:5; Acts 10:2
Worship Resource
Benjamin William Hastings: Seasons
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