Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a season for everything. A verse that is meant to comfort us in a world that is consumed by continual change, with unfolding times of beauty and sorrow, tranquility and turmoil, calm and chaos. This precious verse proudly sits on our coffee table, whispering the solemn reminder that this life is bound by time. As I walk past it each day, there is this endearing way that verse draws me in, practically begging me to etch it into my heart.
Yet, in being completely honest with you, this new season of “quiet” from the hustle and bustle I have grown accustomed to over the years is bittersweet, and I am not stepping into it with much dignity or grace. Sigh. However, while I am stumbling into this simply strange time in my life, desperately trying to embrace the harsh reality that time is a thief, I am also coming to see that God is revealing that this time is also a sweet gift!
Here’s the thing nobody tells you when your kiddo goes off to college and the house becomes eerily quiet. Nobody, and I mean nobody, prepares you for the brutal wave of emotions that will sneak up on you at any moment and surge throughout your entire body, totally catching you off guard. As in, one minute you are totally fine, and the next moment you are on the verge of tears. After all, you’ve been pouring your heart and soul into your kiddo, preparing them for this moment. All your prayers have been focused on them! But now, the silence is deafening, and maybe your prayer life has come to a screeching halt or has gotten jumbled up with all these new and weird emotions you are experiencing.
Oh, dear friend, if you are wading through an unfamiliar season that leaves you wrestling with a wide range of feelings and a house that holds the faint laughter of distant memories, I extend an understanding and heartfelt virtual hug. Whether you just sent off your firstborn, your baby, your mighty middle, or your one and only darling, navigating this season where echoes of the past collide with the harsh reality that this life really is short, can be a tough pill to swallow. It’s a heavy burden for any momma, and it’s okay to admit that.
So today, I invite you to slow down. Start by taking a deep breath, grabbing your Bible, and finding a cozy spot. If it’s a nice day, sit outside. The beauty of this season is that we may stumble and even fall, but thankfully, we have a big God with mighty, strong arms. All we need to do is lean in and allow Him to hold us today and in the days to come, covering us with His truth and grace.
The truth is, we can get so wrapped up in our role as mom that we forget that we are first and foremost, a daughter. It’s easy to teach our children who they are and who they follow, yet we fail to forget that we are His children, too! This season may be a great time to read and recite some simple truths out loud. I mean, if you are going to bring back some noise into your humble abode, might as well be with the power of His Word! Let the verses below fill your heart and home with God’s incredible love as you proclaim your precious identity as His beloved daughter.
You are created in HIS image (Genesis 1:27).
You Are a New Creation, absolutely complete in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17).
You Are Chosen (1 Peter 5:7).
You Are a Beautiful Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10).
Christ Lives in You (Galatians 2:20).
You are God’s Beloved Child and Get to Inherit His Kingdom (Romans 8:17).
You Are Wonderfully and Intricately Made (Psalm 139:14).
You are Deeply Loved (1 John 4:9-10).
You Are Completely Forgiven and Pleasing to God (Colossians 2:13-14).
Your house feels different now. It’s okay to admit that. It’s okay to walk past your college kids’ room with a tinge of sorrow. Maybe you wish to go in, maybe you wish to stay out. It is acceptable to honor your feelings and “feel to heal.”
A wise friend who has several kids in college once told me that when each of her children left, it was like a wave of grief washed over her for about a month. She said the best way to approach it was not to fight it but feel it. Just like with any grief we carry, we must allow ourselves space (time) and grace (honor our feelings) to heal.
We must recognize that those waves of sorrow will likely come back and resurface when our kiddos cannot make it home for a special occasion or are absent for long periods. However, the beauty of grief is that God meets us in our sorrow. Read Matthew 5:4 and Psalm 34:18 and find comfort and peace, sweet friend.
Psalm 46:10 commands us to be still. Sounds simple enough, but if you haven’t noticed, as a society, we have an extremely difficult time “being still.” So, what does it mean to “be still?” Better yet, what is God commanding us to do in this verse? Just as God protected the beloved nation of Israel from hostile threats, He can do the same for us as He fights our everyday battles. We need only to trust Him and offer our full, undivided attention, as He deserves as much.
This season, I invite you to pause each day and make room for the quiet. It may be uncomfortable at first, but when we put down all the distractions and sit in silence, we allow God to stir in our hearts. This tender time can usher in conversations with our God that can bring us peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
You’ve done your best to prepare your college kid for success, but now it is time to discover your new chapter. While this transition can be emotional, and you may still be learning to “let go,” finding joy and igniting new passions will give you a whole new purpose.
Just as with any new season, it takes time to adjust while embracing the changes that come with it. At the same time, this creates a beautiful opportunity to explore gifts and talents you may have put aside. Whether you find new hobbies that spark your interest or just enjoy a peaceful home without all the ruckus, Proverbs 16:3 tells us to commit to the Lord whatever we do, and He will establish our plans. We can trust that truth and know God is still shaping our future. Need more encouragement? Read Matthew 6:33, Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:13, and Proverbs 18:16.
God, we are so thankful that You are our constant source of strength, leading and guiding us through every season. As we step into this new and unknown season, and it fuels feelings that bring on bittersweet memories, I ask that You draw close. Help us navigate this season with hope and encourage us to remember that our identity is not found in our children, but in being Your beloved daughter, first. Permit us to feel healthy as we grieve the past and place our sights on the future. Help us respond by seeking You in quiet moments and allowing us to use our gifts and talents to honor and glorify You. We love you and are grateful for the gift of time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Grace Cary
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!