Finding Joy, Purpose & New Adventures
“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1
As Mother’s Day approaches, I’ve been reflecting on my journey into the empty nester season.
For 13 years, I put my career on hold to be a stay-at-home mom and raise my children. My days revolved around school schedules, activities, meals, conversations, and all the little moments that make up motherhood. It was busy, exhausting at times, but deeply meaningful.
And then one day, you enter a new season.
If you’re preparing to send your child off to college this spring, I know this season can feel emotional. There’s pride, excitement, and gratitude, but also sadness. The house changes. The rhythm changes. And for many moms, there’s a quiet question underneath it all:
What now?
I remember feeling that way too.
In the beginning, the transition was hard. When motherhood has been such a central part of your identity for so long, it takes time to adjust when your role starts to look different.
But now, four years into this season, I can honestly say: it gets better.
Not because you stop missing your children, but because you begin to see that this chapter still holds purpose and joy. My husband (Joey) and I have been learning how to navigate this season together, rediscovering time, connection, and new experiences in a way we hadn’t been able to for years.
And one of the unexpected gifts of this season has been rediscovering adventure together.
Travel has become less about planning around everyone else’s schedules and more about being present, exploring, and creating new memories. It’s reminded me that life doesn’t stop after the kids leave home. It simply changes.
My faith has also grounded me through this transition. Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a season for everything. There was a season for raising children, for full calendars and busy homes. And now, there’s a season for growth, rediscovery, and embracing what comes next.
So, if this Mother’s Day feels a little bittersweet, you’re not alone.
But I also want to encourage you: this season is not empty. It’s simply different. And different can still be beautiful.
Joey and I are grateful that we’ve experienced firsthand how meaningful community and shared experiences can be during this stage of life. I encourage you to seek community. Create a welcoming space where people can connect, recharge, and embrace new adventures together, surrounded by others who may be navigating a similar season.
If you’re navigating this season too, I’d love to connect with you.
And if no one has reminded you lately: you’ve done a beautiful job. Now it may be time to embrace this next chapter with faith, openness, and maybe even a little excitement for what’s ahead.