Have you ever looked at your life and thought, “this isn’t what I expected?”
When the boys left home within three months of each other, we downsized and moved into a temporary small apartment. I found myself frustrated, dissatisfied, and grumpy.
The grocery list wasn’t the same, there were no late night talks, no Friday night pizza and game nights at the dining room table with their friends. Suddenly, it was just me and Mike and the dog.
I realized I was quietly grieving as the identity crisis of empty nesting settled in. I was no longer needed in the same ways I had been before and I felt lost.
I no longer recognized my life.
The empty nest season can leave women questioning identity, purpose, and direction.
Why Change Can Bring Grief
Anytime a season changes, there can be a disquiet of the soul, wondering how to navigate a new normal. Even though change can be good, beneficial even, it’s sometimes hard and we find ourselves grieving.
The good news is God is unchanging and His faithfulness endures forever.Because of this, we can rest and trust Him in our midlife season.
Many women experience grief and uncertainty during midlife transitions, especially in the empty nest season.
God’s Consistency In Changing Seasons
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
-Lamentations 3:23 ESV
Seasons change, life moves on, but God’s faithfulness is constant, never changing.
Because He is steadfast, He is able to steady us when life feels frustrating, uncertain, or unfamiliar.
I’m thankful that when I feel unsettled, I can reach for God in prayer and worship. He is constant when I feel unsettled by change.
Therefore, I can say with the psalmist,
“My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.” Psalm 57:7 NIV
Identity Shifts are an Invitation, Not a Loss
Changing seasons often bring grief for what once was, even when we know God is leading us into something new.
We can be encouraged knowing these moments are opportunities, invitations, to grow and develop more of the fruit of the Spirit He desires for us to have.
The fruit of the Spirit is…faithfulness.
Pruning seasons are rarely comfortable, but they often prepare us for deeper spiritual growth and greater fruitfulness.
Faithfulness is developed in us as we remain connected to God through His word.
This season may feel like pruning, but it’s the opportunity to abide in Christ and His Word in us.
Our trust in God’s never changing character will develop an even deeper level of faithfulness within us.
Our Identity Is Rooted In Christ, Not Our Roles.
My role as a mother is the same, but the focus has shifted.
I’m still a mother, yet my role is not to nurture so much as it is to mentor, to provide wisdom, and godly counsel to our boys in this season.
I’m still a woman of influence, but the lives I now influence aren’t the same as the days when my kitchen table was surrounded by teenaged friends.
Knowing my true identity in Christ helps me overcome the grief of change, and gives me courage to face whatever lies ahead in the confidence of who I am in Christ.
Why Change Requires Courage
As with any change, there comes uncertainty, fear, and sometimes anxiety. Most of us feel safest inside familiar routines and comfortable seasons.
But courage is required to step into each new season of life, each unknown area of need and experience that comes our way.
Courage to face new life lessons.
Courage to face the shift of midlife.
Courage to endure hardship, trials, and troubled times.
Courage to face each new day with gratitude and praise, even when the unknown feels overwhelming.
Jesus Is Our Hope in Uncertain Seasons
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
-Hebrews 6:19 NIV
Our hope is not built on comfort or constant stability. Our hope isn’t built on life’s seasons that can change so quickly.
Our hope is an anchor for our soul. This anchor holds us firm and steady. His name is Jesus.
3 Anchors for New Seasons:
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God is still leading:
We can trust the plans He has for us because He is trustworthy. His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than ours. He is the one directing our paths, and if we seek Him, He will show us the way forward, one step at a time.
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You are still called
Your season may have changed, but He is still calling you to a deeper, richer faith. Your calling to share His love with others hasn’t changed.
You’re still a woman of influence, even if the ones you mentor have changed. You are still called.
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Peace is still available.
Changing seasons and identity shifts may cause anxiety, but God’s Word reminds us that His peace is still available to us. Even when life feels unfamiliar, we can bring our worries to Him in prayer and trust Him to steady our hearts and minds (Philippians 4)
YOUR TURN:
If you’re in a new season, you’re not alone.
Why not leave a comment below to let us know how this season is challenging you or bringing you a new sense of worth.
