Empty Nest, Open Heart

And just like that, both kids are away at college.

It’s been a whole week since we packed up the Outback and headed to Massachusetts (from coastal Maine, where I’ve been happily serving as August Vicar at a summer chapel) to move Piper into college. I’m still in Maine working remotely for the week - and then I’ll be back in Maryland—back at the house without her. I’ll have to work up my nerve to go into her room. Just the thought is heart breaking.

Several people act like I’ve done this before with Everett. Technically, I guess I did. And yet it was SO different. With COVID shut downs and precautions, I was thrilled he could actually move into a dorm and attend classes in person. Dave & Piper moved him into the dorm without me because I was still up in Maine for Sunday services. And, he was just 35 miles away in DC. I could pop over for a lunch date here and there. And Piper was still at home to distract me.

Of course this time feels different. It is. Each kid needs us in different ways, and I’ve come to rely on each of them in particular ways given their gifts and personalities.

My prayer has been for an open heart:

God, open up my heart to whatever this next stage of life offers.

I pray that both kids open their hearts to whatever God is doing in their lives, trusting that it will be good despite losing my front row seat.