Now that our youngest is serving a full time mission in New York, Dave and I feel we have truly come full circle - after 29 years of marriage we are alone again, just the two of us - officially 'Empty Nester's'. Having pondered the title of this elite organization I find it quite ironic that although our nest is empty, the blessings we enjoy at this stage of life are over flowing.
Our family now numbers eleven and although we don't all live under one roof I still find great JOY in motherhood. I think as my family grows so does my ability to love. I have found that to be true as we have welcomed two sons-in-law and four grandchildren into our family over the past few years.
Watching my two daughters find happiness as wives and mothers has been so rewarding. Truly in word and deed they have each expressed their great joy in motherhood - a JOY greater than anything else they have ever experienced. The bond between mothers and daughters becomes even greater as they share the common role of mother and the joys associated with it.
Once you become a grandmother you cannot speak about family without mentioning the JOY of grandchildren. Somehow being removed from the responsibility of raising these sweet little ones allows you more freedom to enjoy them. I love every opportunity I get to kiss their baby fat, listen to their classic comments, and savor their innocence. They have a tremendous ability to love and be loved - they are addicting!
Having a missionary in our family has been such an amazing experience. The spirit of missionary work richly blesses our home as KC serves in New York. I look forward to reading his letters each week and hearing about all that he is learning. It is such a JOY to watch his testimony grow. He motivates me to be better and increase my offering.
The more I come to understand about the gospel, the more I appreciate my temple covenants. Having the freedom the serve in the temple with my sweetheart is truly the highlight of my week. What a JOY!
We recently made a move to a distant land called Vernal and left behind family and familiarity for new employment, a new home and a new community. We have quite a history and close ties to many dear people in Davis County and yet I don't think our lives would be complete without the experience and friendships we are creating here and now. There is wisdom and purpose in everything.
Change is eminent - that is a truth. But, amidst the change stands a loving Savior - the one constant in our lives, and with Him there is a fullness of JOY to be found in all stages and places in life--even an 'empty nest'.
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4 comments:
Welcome back to the blogging world! I have truly missed you and it is an absolute joy to read you again!
Loved the post! It was so fun to come and see you guys and hang with Dave for the night. Ava had a blast with you and has all ready asked when we will be coming back to visit. Thanks for being such a wonderful example to me! I have such fond and treasured memories of time spend in your loving home!
Yay for your Blogging come back! I look forward to seeing MANY more posts from you. You background turned out darling.
Kelly, thank you for this amazing post. Your words are eloquent and your thoughts inspiring. I always do look for the JOY. It is what God intended for us. It is good to find the joy whatever stage of life we are in, too. Welcome back to the blogging world. I will eagerly await your next thoughts...
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