Kayo’y nilikha ko kaya tungkulin ko na kayo’y iligtas at tulungan.

Isaias 46:4b

Super sad ang isang ina kaya nag-decide siyang gumawa ng collage ng pictures ng mga anak niya sa kanilang bahay. Habang idinidikit ang pictures ng kanyang tatlong anak  mula infancy, childhood, teen years, at young adulthood ay hindi niya mapigilan ang pagpatak ng kanyang mga luha. “Ang bilis naman ng panahon,” ang sabi niya.

Experiencing depression or rejection, loss of purpose, stress, and anxiety over the welfare of children out of the home is a symptom of having the empty nest syndrome. Alam ng bawat magulang that parenthood is a lifetime commitment but when children leave home, the parents miss their presence.

Ganito rin kaya ang naramdaman ni Mary when Jesus moved out to do His public ministry? Did Mary ever struggle with being an empty nester (assuming all her children left home for good)? Just imagine her relationship with her firstborn son. Nakapiling niya ang pinaka-thoughtful at caring na anak na si Jesus from birth up to young adulthood. She marveled at Jesus’ goodness and wisdom as He grew up (Luke 2:52). She was strong and brave, enduring the separation and even seeing the brutal death of her loving son.

Mary displayed wisdom and can serve for us today as a best example on how to survive the toughest situations. After Jesus’ death, Mary remained faithful to God and stayed with other disciples praying (Acts 1:14). Kaya for those in the same situation, let’s remember that we can overcome the emptiness and disappointment we are feeling. Consider this time as God’s appointed season in our lives today. Think of your nest not as empty but open, a growing space ready to welcome others.