The TRUE Empty Nest

I have twins.  Identical.

Being identical, they are similar in many ways (looks, interests, tastes), but yet very individual (personalities, pursuits, hobbies).

The same, but different.

They graduated from college last month....together.

Most mothers (and fathers) generally start the bewailing and 'wringing of heart' the Senior year of high school concerning their children leaving the nest.



Being a mother who would experience the "empty nest" all at once, I would often get the question:  "How did you handle it?"

Well, I would say two things ~ one is.......a project.  I had a project to keep me busy.  So, I would suggest perhaps to pick a project and set a goal.  Anything from small to large:  cleaning out the basement, making a scrapbook of family vacations, taking a class you've always wanted to, volunteer, plan a trip, or a myriad of other things that would fit into your life and interests.

The other is ~ perspective.  At the time my girls were graduating from high school, their cousin was fiercely and courageously battling a terminal cancer she was diagnosed with when she was thirteen.  Now, that puts things in the proper context.  My children were healthy, and entering a new chapter of their lives.  A GOOD thing.  Health, life and being able to take the next step on this flight in order to grow, spread wings, and fly is a beautiful and wondrous thing.

    

I know it helped that they were within a day's driving distance, and we saw them probably once a month or so.

Their last semester they both spent abroad.  One in Italy and one in Germany.  Somewhat harder.  Thank God for Skype, however!!!

Now, to me ~ the TRUE "empty nest" is setting in ~ one is heading to her first "real" job and one is heading to East Asia for a year enrolled in university and interning with Campus Crusade for Christ.

The FINALITY of their childhood seems to be real now. 

Much to their chagrin, however sometimes I am very good at practicing the old adage:  "Once a mother, always a mother."  (Did you put on sunscreen?  Did you Mapquest?  Did you eat today?).  So,

The same, but different.

The basement is calling my name.....

Diana + Theresa = Hope

Jesus is the TRUTH to be told;

Jesus is the LIFE to be lived;

Jesus is the LOVE to be loved;

Jesus is the LIGHT to be lit.

Let us love Jesus

with an undivided LOVE,

and others, as He

LOVES

you and me.

(Mother Theresa 1992)

The prayer book and tiara are a few of the pieces of memorabilia in the exhibit called:

"Diana:  a Celebration!"

I can't help but wonder if Diana, in reading Mother Theresa's inscribed words to her 

or in spending time with her,

ever accepted the TRUTH of Jesus' love...

...ever truly became a Princess, being a Daughter of the TRUE KING.

One can HOPE.

Since they both died within the same week, in my hope-filled, romanticized notions... 

 perhaps God planned for them to be on a "special assignment" together.

 

....in heaven, as it was on earth.

Hope so.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
I Timothy 2:  1-4