Launching Your Kids Into AdulthoodSample

FACING THE EMPTY NEST According to an ancient legend, if all the ravens in the Tower of London fly away, the Kingdom of England will fall. I’m not so sure the English should fear wayward ravens. But there’s another kind of empty nest, and this one can bring down a marriage. Life with teenagers can be a whirlwind. There are sports practices, orthodontist appointments, church youth activities … sometimes all in the same day! For many parents, life can begin revolving around their kids, and the marriage gets pushed to the side. Years later when the kids leave home, there’s nothing left to hold the couple’s relationship together, and it crumbles. Fortunately, you and your spouse can take steps to actively prepare for when it’s just the two of you. First, be intentional about strengthening your communication. Read a book together on relationships. Attend a marriage enrichment event. Or, if you’re feeling particularly disconnected, talk things through with a counselor. Second, get involved in social activities or hobbies as a couple. Gather with a church fellowship group. Volunteer at local charities. Or take up recreational activities like golf or hiking. Finding common interests can help create new foundations for relating to one another. Third, and maybe most important of all, pray together. Few things can create emotional intimacy between a couple like hearing one another share their heart openly before the Lord. Prayer unites spouses and strengthens their bond. The ravens in the Tower of London may be the stuff of legend, but empty nests in our homes are real. Strengthen your marriage now, and those years ahead can be an enriching time of intimacy and connection for you and your spouse.